Quiet Moments

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

RAIN and WEEDS

Recently I was picking the weeds around our yard that seemed to have popped up overnight from all the rain that had fallen. Then it dawned on me that rain is most welcome for the plants and vegetation that we WANT to see grow and thrive; BUT it also causes vegetation to sprout that we would rather not see. It's a lot of work, keeping up with those pesky plants! But, they are so much easier to pull out when they are small! If you give them time to grow, their roots will grow deeper and stronger. Then they become more difficult to remove.

The rain spoken about in scripture is likened to the Lord's working in our lives. It says in Hosea 6:3 "... He will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains watering the earth." (NIV)

The Holy Spirit faithfully works in our lives to bring spiritual growth and fruit. Then we find that as He is working, He also reveals pesky character traits that pose problems when we do not deal with them. Like weeds in a garden; if you don't take the time, care and effort to keep up with negative qualities in your character they will soon grow unchecked and out of control. This causes a greater amount of work, effort and time in the long run! For example; if you've seen the weeds of anger, self-pity, or greed popping up, but do not take the time to pull them out of your heart quickly, they can grow into resentment, bitterness and the endless seeking for more of the things money can buy!

For more helpful insight as to "weeds" and "good plants" in your life read Colossians chapter three.

Take time to evaluate the garden of your heart today!

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Waste Not, Want Not!

One of my favourite things to do is to make a big pot of homemade soup. It's a tradition from my Dutch heritage. My parents and grandparents always took the time and put their love into their pots of homemade soup. Plus, I get to use some of the leftover foods that might otherwise be tossed into the garbage or compost bin. I begin with the leftover carcass or bones of a roasted turkey, chicken or ham, put it in a pot, cover it with water, add some celery hearts that I stored in the freezer, onions that are getting old, garlic and some savory spices. I bring it to a boil, then turn it down and simmer it all with the lid on for at least 2-4 hours. Then I strain out all of the vegetables and bones/meat, cool down the broth, then make soup out of it the next day....yummmy! :! Pictured here is the turkey soup I made recently. What's better that a bowl of hot soup on a cold winter day?!

Today's Tip

Lemons and Dawn

Try squeezing a lemon by using a strainer. Squeeze the lemon in smaller pieces over a glass measuring cup... it's easier on your hands and the pits won't get in the juice! :) If you've also used a garlic press for your recipe and want to get rid of any lingering garlic odour - throw the leftover lemon rind into a dish with hot water, and soak your garlic press in it for a little while. Last, but not least - you want to get rid of the onion and garlic odour from your cutting board! When you're done soaking the garlic press in the lemon water, rub the cutting board with the lemon rinds, then scrub vigorously with some hot water and Dawn Dish Soap, rinse and whala, you're done! :)