Praying for...Quinn the birthday boy and our court jester...he's a bit shy on facetime though...praying that his next five years are even more magical and happy than his first...also praying for children in war torn areas that somehow their parents can keep them safe that somehow the donations we make to humanitarian aid will make a difference that somehow greedy power hungry men will get over themselves and let people live in peace. In that same vein, I'm praying that citizens of nations can put aside differences with their compatriots, reach out to neighbors, and act according to the golden rule.
Bibliophilia...I'm looking for some new books for Cole and found a delightful boyish series, I Survived. Although it's a bit easy, the stories are great. Historical fiction is my favorite genre, since it teaches a bit about an event mingled with an exciting story. I hope he likes them, too. We bought Goops and How to Be Them: A Manual of Manners for Polite Infants by Burgess, Gelett for Quinn along with a new bed comforter and a Lego set.
Conference Conversation...yes, I'm very late posting last week's conference book club. I studied the Lamantations of Jeremiah: Beware of Bondage by Gene R. Cook. The way he likened the day of Jeremiah to our day is both frightening and enlightening. I've always feared invading armies, when the real danger has been right there all the time. Drugs and alcohol which rob one of intellect, health, and free agency have destroyed the lives of some of my loved ones. Gluttony and its insidious cousins anorexia and bulimia similarly destroy health and free agency. Pornography and all other illicit activities connected with fornication, adultery, and unnatural attractions bring sorrow, disease, and destroys lives. Debt and ill use of talent and time are more subtle captors. All these reek of addiction. "God intended that men and women would be free to make choices between good and evil. When evil choices become the dominant characteristic of a culture or nation, there are serious consequences both in this life and the life to come. People can become enslaved or put themselves in bondage not only to harmful, addictive substances but also to harmful, addictive philosophies that detract from righteous living...Our challenge is to avoid bondage of any kind, help the Lord gather His elect, and sacrifice for the rising generation. We must always remember that we do not save ourselves. We are liberated by the love, grace, and atoning sacrifice of the Savior. If we are true to His [Jesus'] light, follow His commandments, and rely on His merits, we will avoid spiritual, physical, and intellectual bondage as well as the lamentation of wandering in our own wilderness, for He is mighty to save."
Teaching Little Children...One little girl in my Primary class was a no-show for months. The one time she did show up, I was in the thralls of my painful pelvic separation. She made coping difficult. Since the two that gave me so much trouble have learned to be gentle, quiet, and respectful, I made a concerted effort to reach out to this third difficult child. I took her a Christmas gift and sent cards telling her we wanted her to come. Amazingly, she came this week. Since she's been in kindergarten for four and a half months, she is much better at reining in her temper and tantrums. Only once did she throw a fit. Because we were discussing how Jesus left the 99 and went after the one during sharing time, I suggested the other children beg her to join us. She did. In class she tried to be the star of the show, with her voice growing louder and louder. The other children taught her about our talking stick (we use a lavender sachet). She caught on and loved it. She was very good at listening and participating. Before too long, she'll allow her gentle side to show just like the others. I love and care deeply for these little children just as I wish adults had done for me 45 years ago.
Garden Gate...I grow ginger in my attic greenhouse. When I learned that turmeric is from the same family and is an even more potent anti-inflamitory, I decided to give it a try. I got a couple roots from the grocers, soaked them overnight, and put them in a big pot of soil. I can't wait to see what they look like as plants. The ginger is a lackluster plant but is amazing as you all know. Tried fresh turmeric in curry last night. It doesn't have the comet cleaner flavor that some dried turmeric does. I guess I'll be on a curry jag for awhile. Oh, my...
Cucina Fresca...Start a pot of brown rice. Puree an onion, 2 garlic cloves, an 1 inch piece of each ginger and turmeric. Slowly dry saute over low heat for about 40 minutes. Mix up some oat chapatis (same as oat tortillas). Chop two or three yukon gold potatoes. Twenty minutes before the rice is done, cook potatoes in some water to cover. Begin to heat cast iron gril over medium heat. Add some frozen or fresh green veg to potatoes about 10 minutes before the rice is done. Also, put a small pinch of each fenugreek, anise, coriander, cumin and mustard seed in a spice grinder and grind. Mix into onion with a dash of each cinnamon, cloves, red pepper flakes and black pepper until aromatic. Add to potato/veg. Also, puree 1/2 c. chick peas. Add this along with 1 c chick peas to curry. Grill chapatis and wrap in cloth napkins. When rice is done, turn off heat and let it steam for a few minutes. Turn heat off curry and let stand for a few minutes. Serve as any curry over rice. Top with cilantro. Eat mango for dessert. Enjoy a feeling of satiety without the gross, acidy, gassy, heavy feeling of oil or animal products.
