Why don't the mountains make me cry no more?

Why don't the mountains make me cry no more?

They don't sing the way they did before
They're just piles of stone as dead as bones
Like corpses on a field of war
And they just don't make me cry no more.

Andrew Peterson

(a favorite singer/songwriter of our family)

The Last Frontier

Listen Here.

Music is the poetry of our generation, the voice of our fears, thoughts, emotions, giving reality to what we store in our hearts. And so, this song reflected my own, and Joy's,  heart's words. And so slowly we are taking some time to come back to life.

Sitting on the front porch, sipping tea in the late afternoon caught Joy and me creaking slowly in our white rocking chairs and trying to breathe in life. "Mama, I was so tired and worn to the bone when I came home from school this year, that I couldn't even feel how pretty everything was any more. It was like I was in a fog."

Remember when, as a little girl, you would see a shooting star or sit by the firelight of a bonfire and roast marshmallows or catch lightening bugs in the early dark of a summer's night and all was delight to your soul. Just being alive was exciting and every day had the possibility of something wonderful?

Taking the temperature of our souls is essential to staying alive. I have felt so crowded in my life that I have hardly had room to breathe. Sometimes I know that the sunrise is beautiful, but my heart doesn't sing when I see it anymore. This is the moment I say, "No matter what, I will take time for rest for my soul, time alone, time away from machines, time for music and sleeping, and not answering the phone. Time for walks and lots of hot drinks, or a hot bath, or a moonlit walk under the stars...

I have gathered delights that help me restore my own heart to wonder because I want to appropriately be childlike before Him to marvel, to breathe, to be amazed.

What helps you restore? What brings you back to your old true self? Keep stock of your heart now, so that you may stay alive to God.

"Guard your heart, for from it flow the springs of life." Proverbs 4:23

My life issues are just not as big as they seem.

Georgios Jakobides The First Steps

O LORD, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty; Nor do I involve myself in great matters, Or in things too difficult for me.

Surely I have composed and quieted my soul; Like a weaned child rests against his mother, My soul is like a weaned child within me. Psalm 131

Turning 61 has given me perspective. I have lived through so many seasons of difficulties, illnesses, phases of children's lives, financial crisis, car wrecks, friendship difficulties, miscarriages, teenagers, depression--

as well as celebrations, accomplishments, family memories, traditions, loving and being loved, cooking a gazillion meals, staying up too late for thousands of nights, by having precious moments nursing babies, listening to the secrets of inner-most-hearts, traveling and memorable ministry moments, God's hidden and constant faithfulness, moonlit nights---well you get it.

Life never stops and issues never cease--one goes away and another comes.

But there have been times when I did not carry the heavy burdens well.

Part of this was God's stretching my capacity, shaping my character, trusting me with tests of faith so difficult it was hard to breathe. But, I wish I had known that no matter how hard, He would take me through, little by little and that I would still live, even in times I thought I would certainly crater. If only I had sung a little bit more and rested my heart, even when my schedule and body had no rest.

Then there were so many times when the busyness of life--ear infections, 4 children, thousands of sleepless nights, no baby-sitters or support systems to alleviate the stress--but somehow, I lived. God had confidence in my future when I could not see beyond the next day.

But when I would try to carry myself through these burdensome places, I created even more stress for myself, but not just learning to yield, every day, the burdens and questions and insecurities that seemed so overwhelming. He who has shepherded thousands of years of humans through all possible crisis, is able to carry me securely through the times I have been given to live.

I have noticed that when I am too busy and have taken responsibilities on my shoulders that only God can or should carry, I become harsher. When I am too busy and have overcommitted, I lose a love for the things that are normally important to me.  I care less for the lost; have little patience for my children; tend to see people as irritating (What was that driver in that car thinking? Can't believe anyone would drive that way! or "That lady was soooooo slow in the check out line at Walmart!)

God becomes a distant thought that I glance toward with guilt thinking He must be disappointed with me because I just haven't had time for Him, but I have just been so busy.........

Fretting is also a part--Fretting about money, life, family, children, church, ministry, duties, Christmas, gifts, housework, burdens--fretting, fretting--taking so much energy, so much thought life---and the Psalms say, "Fret not, it leads only to evil doing." (Psalm 37:8)

And then I tend to become cynical. "I do so much, and there is no one to help." And of course, "If I don't do it or take responsibility, no one else will."

It is so easy to begin to live a works oriented life, and then to think without me, things will fall apart. Then I become weary. Then I say, "Lord, don't you care that I am drowning?!" or "Tell Mary to come in here. I am doing all the work myself!"

God is not biting His nails wondering if I am going to get it all done. He is not the great abuser in heaven just waiting to give me more than I can handle. And so, slowly, I have had to learn, if I am consistently feeling too much stress, too much weight on my shoulders, I have not given it to Him and or, I am attempting to do things that He has never asked or expected me to do.

Jesus did not go into the world Himself. He stayed local, humble, quiet, and yet His message, in God's hands, changed the world.

"I am humble and meek. Learn from me." Again, I learn from this verse.

If He was humble and not in a hurry and still accomplished God's will--and not all the blind and sick were healed, then I can trust these mysteries into His hands.

A good father would not expect his little child to carry the load. He would carry the load and the fragile child.

I find I have so much on my plate to do, that the only thing I can do is re-access; cut back; only focus on the agenda that He has set.

Burning out

I am old enough to have lived through so many women who burned out--in ministry, in homeschooling, in jobs, in ideals---burn, burn, burn and then all that is left is ashes. It is a cultural value to be busy and to justify ourselves by our activities.

Last Spring, I met with a young woman. She said, as many young women have said, "Sally, God is just opening so many doors for me, I just have to be a good steward of my opportunities." (as her exhausted teen daughter was pushing her toddler in a stroller behind her, and complaining that her mom just never had time for her.) This happens to me a lot--young women who have stars in their eyes from money that can be made, audiences that can be found, numbers that can build up.

Quitting ideals because of circumstances

I have never had more opportunities come my way as now, but I have to monitor what I see going on in my heart and soul,  which are constantly drained daily for years on end. If I do not have a full heart, I know I will be tempted to compromise ideals that I have always believed. Culture gives us permission to quit, to stop and compromise ideas and so, I become  convicted that I need to cut back. I am pulling back from expectations of others in order to keep being able to walk with God and please Him. . Pulling back from stress. And simplifying. Quieting my soul.

He needs to be at my center. I need to have peace and quiet in my soul. I can say "no!" no matter how many people there are who seem to need me, so that I can still and quiet my soul. 'When I wait on Him, I see His power, His provision, His answers--always so much better than me, tiny, little me, trying to play the role of God, when all He wanted me to do was to seek Him, rest in Him and listen to His voice.

So many times the examples He left me--David and Goliath; Joshua marching around a wall; a Jewish nation born from a single child; the fish and the loaves, the oil that was enough every day to make one more loaf.

I am a baby to God, his toddler, "like a weaned child, I will not involve myself in things too difficult for me."

God is in control.

He does not want to abuse me. He does not want me to be neurotic and angry. He wants me to be at peace--sleeping in the boat in the midst of the storm,  because I am "leaning on my Father's strong arms."

And so, I am waiting on Him before I venture out--the opportunities will always be there, but now is a good time to pace myself, to still my soul, to seek to live more simply, to say yes to my God-given priorities and no to all that will take me away. I could do lots more, but then I would become crazy and grumpy and tight and hard to live with, and living by my own flesh and striving and works--and I cannot hold His hand and behave in such a manner all at the same time.

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.Psalm 62: 1

So, today, on this very busy day, I know that my soul will only find rest in Him--His will, His way!

What are your stresses? Your fears? Your heartbreak or burdens? Have you kept them in perspective in light of eternity?

You probably have many more decades of life to live through--don't forget that this is just a season, a moment in time. Leave it in His hands and learn at every turn in the road, and like a weaned child, rest.

Learning How to Choose Joy.

IMG_0088a

"The joy-filled life is not found by diminishing my God-given responsibilities as a woman, wife, and mother, nor can I find joy merely by refusing to face the hard realities of life in a fallen world. There is a tension that God is asking me to acknowledge and accept ~ the tension between ideals and realities. True joy is found by living somewhere between the ideal life and daily realities. That is where Jesus meets me, where His Holy Spirit empowers, and where I learn how to live the Christian life with supernatural joy. To celebrate life is simply a choice." -Seasons of a Mother's Heart

When my adult children come back home to visit me, the excitement and anticipation ignites me to tidy the house, set out lovely flowers, light candles, and leave them chocolates and goodies, prepare their favorite meals. I do this so that they can feel welcome, experience my love for them, and feel the peace and joy that comes with home. However, can you imagine how I would feel if I went to all of that effort to make things beautiful and love them extravagantly, only to watch them walk in, sit on their phones and computers all day, have bad attitudes, and tell me that they're just "too busy" or "too stressed" to enjoy it? How must our loving God feel when we don't choose to celebrate this life He has given us to subdue?God is available, prepares for us each day, wants to shower us with His love, grace, compassion, wisdom, but often we are too busy or self-centered to notice Him and to "be" with Him.

Often times, our own expectations of how we thought life would be, get in the way of us being able to grab onto the joy and abundant life that God has for each of us. Finding peace and joy does not mean giving up on our ideals, but in seeking the balance, the ebb and flow, that is life. Joy won't always feel as second nature as taking a breath, but with every breath, how can you choose joy? It is a conscious, daily effort that can transform your life if you allow it to. Joy is a choice to see Him in the midst of daily moments, to call upon His spirit's presence and strength at each turn, each curve in the road. Joy comes from being assured we are not alone in the dark places and that He is light and will shine His light in each place.

Take a moment today to have a quiet time and bible study, reading over these verses and meditating on them, as well as the questions below.

"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." -Proverbs 17:22

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." -Romans 15:13

"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy." -James 1:2

Ask yourself: -Is there a high expectation for a situation or relationship in your life that has been robbing you of joy? How can you better find the tension between the ideals and realities of that circumstance?-How can you allow the Holy Spirit to enter into the imperfect circumstances of your life, allowing you to find supernatural joy?-In what ways can you find gratitude, seek beauty, and find joy in the celebration of life today?

Be Still My Heart

My front porch where I sit quietly with my family each night to watch the sunset and to drink in a moment of peace, the fresh outdoors and a moment to be still.

“As mothers and fathers, it is so easy to get distracted by the details of our lives. We have so much to do! We must feed our children well and take care of their health. We must oversee their education and their training to make sure they will be able to take care of themselves and live in a civilized society. We train them in righteousness so they may understand how God wants them to live. We try to relate to them in mature ways and help them learn to have healthy relationships."

But with this busyness of life, it is possible to miss the sacred gift of enjoying each moment, each day, each precious person who enters the walls of our home and to be mindful that this day will never come again in the just the same way. ”

-The Ministry of Motherhood

Sword of the Spirit:

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10

Live it out today:

It is a great responsibility to be a mother, a cultivator of beauty and nurturer of souls.

If you are finding yourself overwhelmed in your journey as a mom or as a homeschooler today, consumed by anxiety, daunting tasks, and a serious lack of sleep, I invite you to take a deep breath at this moment.

Relax, even for just a minute, and remember that while you may feel alone,

God sees all of the work you do (the late nights, early morning, many meals, one more basket of laundry, the lit candles and lovely flowers, one more rocking chair song to soothe a little heart-- that no one else noticed).

Don’t put unrealistic pressures on yourself, on your homeschooling agenda, or on your parenting, that God never asked you to do.

Perhaps the most loving and healthy thing you can do for yourself and your children is to be still for a moment today and have a quiet time--to watch a sunset, to giggle together at the antics of cherished dog, to read a passage of a rousing adventure, to listen to music and just be together.

How can you prioritize your quiet time today and squeeze it into your busy schedule?

The Place of Wonder

Horse Head Nebula Orion--God's modern art

(a gathering of spacious gas  Joel never forgot from childhood when we observed a book of the Heavenlies.)

 The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.

Psalm 19:1

When a child is given the opportunity to lay on the grass under a night sky, his mind journeys to wonders unknown, his eyes extend to galaxies and the far beyond and in this moment, his mind begins to understand eternity. When an adult is confronted with the infinity of God's eternal creation and endless wonder of his personal handiwork, he will be more likely to worship, to magnify God's rightful position in His life. His faith will become a part of the extension of His depth of personal knowledge of the living God.

But when life does not allow the place for wonder, there will be little awe, humility, reverence for the infinite wisdom and ways of God. We do not bow our knee or humble our heart if we have not lived in wonder.

“Look at everything always as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time: Thus is your time on earth filled with glory.” 
― Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

An adult who ponders the designer behind the intricate design of a leaf on a tree, the shape of a flower, the shadows of a moon-lit night flirting and fluttering between the shadows of dancing tree branches will come into the presence of God.

“The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common.” 
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

As all ages are magnetically attracted to new life, --babies, ducklings, puppies,--we are confronted with the miracle of life itself and if we make time to wonder, to imagine, to think of the mystery behind the creating of a new life, our minds will be drawn to the supernatural, divine spark and power of God.

Faith will not grow where time does not allow for imagination, swimming in the wonders of life God has sprinkled across our paths every day.

When our busyness and technology do not allow for the real, the created, the life-art from the very hands of God, the deeper questions of life will be pondered apart from what He has created and provided to give witness to His reality.

When a child is given pat answers and technology to humdrum his mind away into mechanical oblivion, his faith will be weak, his vision of God will be small, a limited view of his own small world, shallow, and life-less because his soul has not been confronted by the transcendence  of the eternal God.

Satan would hide the wonder and awe of our inspiring God by confining us to the world of busyness, obligations, distraction, watching machines instead of playing in creation.

“Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.” 
― Socrates

Throughout all the ages, wise writers, authors, professors have known that imagining, being awe-struck, learning to become amazed and to wonder at the ways and creation of God is the beginning.

So, for children and adults to grow strong and healthy relating to the living God, their lives must provide time for being caught up in the eternal, the transcendence, the glory of the Holy God.

Today, when life overwhelms, go into His presence, observe the ways of His creation and your soul will find rest in his magnitude, beauty and strength.

Your Words Matter

"Words matter! They have the power mysteriously to enter our hearts and minds and lift us beyond the present moment into the presence of God himself. How important it is, then, that we mothers, shepherds of our children's lives and hearts, choose our words to them carefully. We must deliberately aim our words at their hearts in such a way as to give our children hope, faith, strength, and also to point them toward the redeeming love of Christ. We can become the affirming voice of God to our children, just as we become a picture of his redeeming reality in their everyday lives." -The Ministry of Motherhood

It's easy to become overwhelmed during the daily obstacles of life and let harsh words press through our lips. Sometimes it isn't even the words, exactly, as much as it is the condescending tones, volume, or sarcastic attitudes. As a mother and life-giver, God has entrusted you to vocalize His heart and intentions for your children. It is an extremely important responsibility to not only be the hands and feet of Jesus, but to also be his voice in your home.

Take a moment today to have a quiet time and bible study, reading over these verses and meditating on them, as well as the questions below.

"Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." -Proverbs 16:24

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." -Proverbs 18:21

"There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." -Proverbs 12:18

Ask yourself: -Where are you aiming your words? -What have your words been saying about what is on your heart? -What choices can you make today to affirm God's love to your children through the words you choose to speak over their lives?

Comparison Brings Death to our souls

 

Which one is perfect? Right? Best?

There is no one mold for acceptance in God's eyes. Why do we waste time looking at what others are doing instead of just resting and enjoying the moments of our own lives?

When we compare ourselves to others, we will always miss the glory of the unique way God made us.

Same with your children, friends, family--some are loud, some quiet, some administrative, some dreamers, some tall, some short, all are uniquely made to reflect their own glory as God made variety.

Four times this week, I have been in conversation with different people who have expressed inadequacy in their lives.This from people I love, respect and think are wonderful people.

"When I see what so-and-so is doing, I feel that I fall so short."

"I think I am disappointing so many people--I can't seem to call everyone back, respond to emails, get all the housework done, be patient, and and and..., I always feel like I am falling short."

"My children seem to fight all the time. I just can't seem to manage them like other people do."

"I am such a failure in my marriage."

Even my children have felt this way lately.

"Seems all the people who are immoral get the parts in movies and television and I just keep plodding along with no special favor."

"Compared to all of the other professional musicians around, I am not up to snuff."

"Mom, do you think she has more skills than I do? Will you be disappointed in me if I don't do as well as I thought?"

Comparing ourselves to others is epidemic. Comparison will always, always be destructive. We will either find ourselves falling short of others, and that will cultivate self-condemnation. Or, we will find ourselves better than others and that will bring pride.

Proverbs tells us that, "The fear of man brings a snare."

When we look to others as the standard by which we should live, we make them idols. They become the standard by which we think we should live instead of living by grace and freedom in Christ. When we look to others for our affirmation, we will never find enough affirmation. There will always be someone better, prettier, more successful, wiser, .........

How grateful I am that Jesus shows no favoritism. He reached out to the unlovely, the unpopular, the meek: children, prostitutes, tax collectors, lepers, Roman soldiers, bleeding women--women! He lifted them up and gave them worth. Maybe he did show favoritism afterall--to the broken, the humble, those who had no illusions about themselves--those who appropriately realized that they needed a savior.

Jesus said, "I am humble and meek. Learn from me."

I love coming into His presence. I am usually wrinkled in my pajama's, sleep breath, no make up, tossled hair, vulnerable--(I am naturally a fearful person.) But I light my candle, have my tea, and in His presence I find love and acceptance and hope. He made me. He knows me and as Psalm 103, "He is mindful that I am but dust." But I am a part of His family. I came from Him--his very own Spirit, He formed me in my mother's womb. He will always be loyal and accept me because I am a part of His very being in this world.

In His presence, I am adequate, because He saved me so that I could be in His presence without pretense or performance.

"Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest."

Not come to me all who are perfect, have arrived, have accomplished enough.

If I am acceptable to the Lord of Hosts, the king of the whole universe, then I need not compare myself to others. As a matter of fact, it is the only way I am acceptable to Him, if I don't try to come to Him on my merit, because I will always come up short.

A beloved song from my childhood always captivated my imagination. I love the story of the little drummer boy that I listened to at Christmas time as a little girl. The scene I pictured as a little girl was the traditional manger scene of Jesus. Humble shepherds, keeping watch in the fields, heard the angels and sought the baby who had been born King of the Jews. Yet, there were the great "seers" from the far East. Seems that the wise men all dressed in silks, satins, velvets, adorned with gold, frankincense and myrrh also approached  the manger where baby Jesus was born. These magnificent kings came with an auspicious entourage of servants, camels, baggage, fine jewelry and gifts.

However, the poor shepherd boy, had no possessions--nothing to give to this servant, come from heaven, nothing to compare to the finery of the wealthy, learned men. As he pondered what to do, he realized he could play for baby Jesus on the rude drum that he highly valued. And so the young boy, humble, uneducated, with no title prowess, approached the crib--and he played with all of his heart.

"I played my drum for him, parumpapumpum. I played my best for him, parumpapumpum."

So to honor the Lord Jesus, the little drummer boy gave what he had and gave  his heart of love with His gift.

And so that was what Jesus wanted--the boy's love, the boy's admiration and willing heart.

Now that is something I can give wholeheartedly--myself, my love, my faith and gratefulness. I may not give perfection, or maturity, or prowess, but I can give him my little girl heart. The heart that sees His beauty, His unconditional love, the freedom he gives me to be me, just as I am. And that makes me respond with such love, appreciation, such grace. How very grateful I am that Jesus does not compare me to anyone else. He is my justification. He is my badge of honor.

Even the way our precious savior came, as one of us, the common kind, "with no stately form or majesty," shows us his preference. If we are to be pleasing and adequate, it must be with Him as our sole audience, the only one who can give us approval that will satisfy our souls.

Today, live into your unique glory. Accept and enjoy who you are as you are. Enjoy the glory of your personality and celebrate and love your children and family in the same way. There is great freedom when one does not have to perform.

Sowing seeds of righteousness and waiting for the rejoicing when the crop is full!

"Sow with a view to righteousness, Reap in accordance with kindness."

Hosea 10:12

Many of you know that I have just returned from almost 3 weeks in the UK. I had the most wonderful time and it was God breathed and blessed in oh so many ways. (More about the content of the trip, later.)

One of the most wonderful gifts of my trip was to be able to be with three of my kids--Sarah, Joel and Joy. (We missed Nathan and Rachael and talked about how they must come here soon!)

I feel like I was watching the full blooming of my work from many years. All three kids were reaching out to people, making new friends, speaking of great ideas, serving some in need in dire circumstances and showing rich, vibrant souls.

I have realized that there were sooooo many times I wondered if my children could perceive my negative feelings about my task, at times, or my weariness, or my frustration. Did my work matter? Was I capable of completing the ideals and the gargantuan task I had set before me? Would I ever see maturity?

On my recent trip, I was also struck constantly be the fact of how many women (and men) I met, who wandered lost in their lives amidst a sea of relative morality, lack of leadership, unsure of direction. It has created a desire to write once again about the foundations that give life strength and that builds  a godly heritage.

But most of all, I wanted to say that all of the gardening of souls indeed matters. When moms sacrifice their own needs and lives to build a godly legacy, the fruit is sweet, satisfying, and eternally vibrant. Sow broadly, generously, and do the hard work of gardening the soul. Indeed your reward will be amazing and sure when done in His Spirit. This brought to mind another blog I had posted a while back. And the truth of it resounded in my heart as I reviewed it again. I hope it will in yours!

I have always loved fields of wildflowers. Seems to me when I see fields and fields of the beauty, (and blue is my favorite color), I almost feel like it is evidence of the invisible hands of God still planting flowers in His gardens to remind us that He is still creating and perpetuating life, even when we are not aware.

When looking at a tiny seed, it is impossible to see what will bloom from this minute speck of nothing, -the color it will produce, the bloom or fruit, or how large the plant will be. There is vast potential locked within, that under the right circumstances--planted in good soil, watered and covered in sunshine, a miracle will happen. The seed transforms into something more than itself--it gives birth to a plant that blooms and brings beauty, life, color and a fruit--and this is a miracle-almost something out of nothing.

And so, God calls us to sow--to sow broadly, generously, diligently.

Sometimes the seeds that He requires us to sow, do not obviously promise anything--yet, we are asked to believe in the potential--the latent miracles inside of these small life-seeds.

We are to sow with a view to righteousness--not seeing or knowing totally the vast potential of what is in our hands. But ours is to be faithful to sow, by faith, the seeds of promise given to us--

to cast the seed of promise into the soil of life, generously, diligently, faithfully--

And His is to do the miracle-

To take all of the planting of faith seeds, and love seeds, and integrity seeds, and faithfulness seeds, into the moments of our lives when no one else is looking;

faithfulness to the gospel and spreading the good news;

serving our children, and loving and helping our spouses;

praying and believing when no sprout of answer is in sight.

And yet, in time, in His hands,

there will be such a bounty of beauty, a harvest from the seeds planted in life, that we will finally see, that

He was creating the miracle right beside us--the seeds will indeed sprout into a harvest of righteousness and redemption that will be beyond what we could have imagined.

But, the harvest of such sowing is only for those who plant, and water and cultivate and wait, by faith, believing in the promise of what lays ahead.

So, dear God, let us look at the flowers you have planted and see the potential beautiful harvest of our lives, if we will only believe in the seed potential in our lives right now,

which by faith will become a harvest of righteousness beyond measure. You are gardeners of souls.

I just had to include my video that I made a year ago--about our role as gardeners of the souls of our children. May you be blessed in the confidence knowing that your work matters!

Delicious Curry Chicken Salad {Perfect weekend recipe!}

{Today, Brandee is sharing a truly amazing chicken salad recipe. Enjoy!}

My girlfriend and I headed downtown for a day of adventure. As we walked into a cooking class and grabbed our aprons, we were delighted with the aroma wafting in the kitchen. As we began to chop, simmer, and adjust flavors of these amazing recipes we were being introduced to, both of us decided the chicken salad was not only easy to make but also going to be a favorite in our home immediately! For those of you who say curry is not your thing, you must try this before throwing out this amazing spice all together!

I revamped this recipe by adding some of my all-time chicken salad favorites to this already lovely recipe! In India, they eat this meal with pan-grilled flatbread. We love to eat this as a sandwich or place a generous scoop onto a salad. It makes for a lovely luncheon option when feeding the multitudes! At Sally’s Intensives, this is a favorite! All you need is a croissant roll, chicken salad, and fruit and you have a beautiful plate that will wow your guests!

Ingredients 4 boneless skinless chicken breast (you can use a pre cooked rotisserie chicken in a pinch) 1 1/2 cup mayonnaise (may add more if needs more) 4 stalks celery - diced small 1/2 cup green onion - minced 3-4 tablespoons lemon juice 4 tablespoons fresh parsley - minced 4-6 teaspoons curry powder (adjust to taste) 2 tablespoons honey 3 cups of red seedless grapes - halved salt/pepper to taste 1 cup sliced almonds (to sprinkle on top before serving) 8 croissants (optional)

Directions Place chicken breasts in med. saucepan and cover with water by one inch. Bring to simmer and adjust heat to maintain low simmer. Cook for 20 min. or until chicken is cooked through. Drain & let cool. ( drain well or you will have watery salad) Shred chicken into small bite-sized pieces. Mix chicken with remaining ingredients. (Add more mayo or seasoning if needed) Chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Yields: 8 servings

Give this recipe a try this weekend, and "wow" your family with a unique, tasty meal that is perfect for a summer lunch or dinner!

Blessings, Brandee

Because He extends love and grace...

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

As a little girl, I remember learning the above verse and being told to put my name in where the word “love” is listed instead. For example:

“Angela is patient, Angela is kind. She does not envy, she does not boast, she is not proud…” Yeah, applying scripture like that and making it personal can well…make one a little uncomfortable. Am I all those things? Do I love like that? Sadly, the answer is “no.” I’m not always patient…especially when I’m running late and trying to get my 3 girls out the door in time. How about the “keeping no record of wrongs?” Yeah….just ask my husband…I struggle in that area too.

Sally and I end our book: You Are Loved with a challenge…now go and do likewise! Love others like God loves you.

"God is patient, God is kind. He does not envy, He does not boast, He is not proud…"

Now that we have a deeper understanding of how dearly loved we are by God, He challenges us to live lives that are stained with His love for others to see. God’s love should change us, transform us and make us stand out from the world. We are called to love differently. We love when it hurts. We choose to keep no record of wrongs even though our mind makes it hard to forget. We choose to be kind even though the person hasn’t been kind back. We choose to trust, have hope and persevere even when it’s hard and we’d rather throw in the towel and give up. We choose love instead.

God’s love is what colors our life differently. People see it in the way we smile at them. In how we choose to respond to criticism and how we trust God in all things. They see it in the hope that we have at the doctor’s office despite the report, or when we choose to hold our tongue even though we have a great comeback ready to launch at a moments notice. They see it in the patience we extend to our children, husband and friends even though we are feeling anything but patient at the time. We realize we are not perfect, we have our flaws, our short comings…yet despite all of that, God still chooses to love us.

We extend love and grace because love and grace have been extended to us.

“How you live your life today in choosing to love others will determine the way your children, non-Christians, your family, and friends learn what God’s love is like. To leave a legacy of love is to leave a fragrance of His love wherever you go.”- Sally Clarkson

Sweet friends, may the beautiful fragrance of your love fill your homes, hearts and lives today! Who do you need to reach out to with the love of God?

“…the more I humble myself to love others no matter what, the more my love and worship of God has grown because I realize how much it cost Him to be humble and give to a totally rebellious and ungrateful world. Practicing love increases your love for God.”- Sally Clarkson

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I'd like to take a second and thank YOU for joining us this summer as we read You Are Loved together! Thank you so much for joining us and digging into God's Word together! I pray God has used our book mightily in your life and you can now see how dearly loved you are, and let His love transform your life!

Love God Greatly! -Angela