Month: May 2011

Memorial Day

Ah, the official start of the summer holidays. I hope you’ve been having a relaxing and peaceful weekend. Did you try the Zucchini and Basil Soup?

I would be remiss if I didn’t bring up the reason for this long weekend. To remember those who gave their lives so we could enjoy the freedoms we do. Over 6,000 have died in the last decade alone.

If you haven’t already, be sure to take a moment to reflect upon their sacrifice, and say a prayer of gratitude. We should also pray for the families of those who lost loved ones. that they would somehow be consoled in their grief.

Zucchini and Basil Soup

There were slim pickings at the farmer’s market today. Maybe I got there a bit late…

Well, today’s soup is just right for a light and easy meal, perfect for this long holiday weekend. You may not be able to get your ingredients at the farmer’s market near you, but I found the zucchini in abundance at my local grocery store. I had the basil at home.

My basil is doing great, and I’ve got it growing in several different pots. With the sunny and warm weather we’ve been having, the new growth is spilling out all over. This recipe uses a lot of basil, so I’m hoping my plants will appreciate the hair cut.

Inspiration Personal Development

The Fear Factor

Recently, I’ve been listening to a personal development program, and yesterday’s session dealt with fear. It’s amazing how this emotion can routinely drive our life. In fact, according to the presenter, the fear factor is one of the biggest reasons we fail to take action in our life.

Fear of failure, success, rejection, illness, pain, the unknown. What might it be for you?

Ignatian Spirituality Inspiration Personal Development Prayer

A Remedy That Always Works

Recently, I returned to a little book I’ve had on my shelf for several years. Arise From Darkness:What To Do When Life Doesn’t Make Sense, written by Fr. Benedict Groeschel, is like an old friend that you turn to when things aren’t going well. Fr. Benedict doesn’t sugar-coat tough situations, and gives clear and practical advice on how to overcome serious problems that we all face from time to time.

Today, I’d like to focus on just one point he makes in the book. I’ve used it myself and Fr. Groeschel is right. When used carefully and consistently, this remedy always works.

Inspiration

How I Saved Over $175 Per Month

Post author By seedthrower1
Post date 05/23/2011
1 Comment on How I Saved Over $175 Per Month

One of my blogger friends told me I needed to start being a bit more creative with my post titles, so…

I bet you thought I was trying to sell you something, but no worries. Part of Making All Things New is pointing out ways how we can change our situation for the better, no matter what the issue. Today, the focus is on money, and a few simple ways you can save more and spend less. 🙂

Main Course Soup On Saturday Soups and Stews Vegetarian

Spinach Soup

Although it wasn’t the main ingredient, last Saturday’s Lentil and Rhubarb Soup called for six cups of spinach. Today, it seemed like every vendor at my local farmer’s market had plenty of this super-nutritious veggie, so I decided to pick up some more, but this time for a soup where it could stand alone.

This is a very simple soup that shouts spring. I hope you’ll give it a try.

Inspiration Mind Prayer Spirit

The Truth Will Set You Free

Post author By seedthrower1
Post date 05/20/2011
No Comments on The Truth Will Set You Free

Graduations are in full swing, with all the parties to follow. Tomorrow, the seniors I’ve been working with for the last four years at Mc Daniel College will receive their diplomas and head off into the world. Time flies.

One soon to be Mc Daniel Alumnus will be doing missionary work on college campuses through FOCUS. Another is trying his hand at developing an on-line business or two. 🙂 I wish them nothing but success.

I’ll also be attending several graduation parties tomorrow. All these activities has given me pause to recall my own “big” graduation, when I received my Master’s Degree from Johns Hopkins, twenty years ago this week.

Inspiration Mind Travel

Where Do You Go To Escape?

Sometime tonight, one of my coworkers and her family will be arriving at the Grand Tetons. To say that I’m envious would be a gross understatement. I’ve only been there once, but it was one of those epic trips that I will be dreaming about the rest of my life.

Whenever I’m having a tough day, I easily close my eyes and remember my first glimpse of this mountain range, which seemed to rise out of nowhere, as we traveled down from Yellowstone. It certainly is one of the most beautiful spots in the United States.

Catholic Church Inspiration Mind Personal Development Prayer

Living A Life Of Virtue

Last night, my men’s group began to study ways we can live virtuously. As a society, we don’t talk much about the virtues, which are basically the skills needed to live a moral life.

In our culture today, we do a lot more talking about values than we do virtues. Although values can be a good thing, they are subjective and don’t necessarily help us over the long haul. Our understanding of virtue goes all the way back to Plato and Aristotle, with further development in the New Testament.

Just what is a Virtue? A good definition is: an habitual and firm disposition to do the good, which allows a person not only to do good acts, but to give the best of him/herself. Being virtuous means that you should do good with ease, promptly, consistently and with joy. Sounds like a tall order…

Main Course Soup On Saturday Soups and Stews Vegan Vegetarian

Lentil and Rhubarb Stew

I saw a version of this recipe the other day, and set off this morning for my first visit to the local farmer’s market intending to pick up some key ingredients.

Farmer’s Markets are a great place to get local produce, and although the pickings were a bit slim today, I was able to get rhubarb and spinach. I’ve never been a big fan of rhubarb, probably because I never had it prepared properly. It has a fruity and slightly tangy taste, which complements the Indian spices used in this stew. I was glad to try it out in something new.

To have a more complete meal, you can ladle the stew over cooked whole grains, such as quinoa or brown rice.