Ok, so I really thought I was on top of things since we stayed home for Thanksgiving. All that extra time to get a running start on getting ready to get ready for Christmas I thought! Well, not so much. The blog seems to be coming especially slow, but I’m present, and being present IS a present so I’m counting it a win.

With these Soul food Fridays I try to share things that have delighted, inspired, or filled me. Where have you been present to Jesus? This week I found Jesus…

  • At a candlelight memorial service at our church in the hugs, and prayers and Word to me.  “I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you.”

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  • Over dinner with a friend, sharing heart and soul stuff, paying attention to Glory together…
  • In the immediate prayer support through texts and phone calls when I put out the word that I was wrestling and felt like the Evil one was taking me down…
  • In the rapt attention of 8 and 9 year old Hispanic students I tutor, listening to the story of Mary and Joseph making their way to Bethlehem, relating better than I can, to the hardships they faced.
  • In the surprise gift what showed up in the mail from a daughter who models Jesus’ kindness and thoughtfulness in ways that inspire me.

And I found this cool blog with printables 🙂

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And in a very different vein…this amazing organization is sending 30 days of prayer for ISIS – reflection, prayer, and often a music video – to anyone who signs up. They use insights from the life of Saul/Paul who was transformed from an enemy of Christianity to a passionate evangelist. We ask what in the world WE can do, and Jesus says “Pray for your enemies.” So let’s DO IT!! It is an awesome resource!!

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I was inspired by this video. We belong to each other!

And, I know this is late, but for anyone who has turkey leftovers throughout the holidays, here is the BEST Turkey Tetrazzini recipe from John’s mom.

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup flour

1 ts. garlic salt

1/4 ts. white pepper (I omit)

2 Cups milk

1 cup half and half

1 TB of “Better than Chicken Boullion” or granular bouillon to taste

1/3 cup Sherry

2/3 cup parmesan

1/2 package spaghetti

2 cups cooked turkey or chicken

1 package of sliced mushrooms sautéed in butter (if you want, you can use regular salt above, and sauté some minced garlic in with the mushrooms.

You know the drill from there – make the white sauce, add the stuff, cook the spaghetti, and mix it up! SO good!

Lastly, a word from God that was reassuring to me during this busy season!

IMG_2417We’re going to get our tree now. Have a great weekend!