“Bless us Lord, this Christmas, with quietness of mind; Teach us to be patient and always to be kind.” – Helen Steiner Rice
Thought for Today
A Holiday Recipe
Who doesn’t love pumpkin pie? I know I do, but I also enjoy savory pumpkin dishes, like my Pumpkin Quinoa Pilaf with Bacon. This recipe and more are available in Have Yourself a Healthy LIttle Holiday.
Pumpkin Quinoa Pilaf with Bacon
Ingredients:
6 strips turkey bacon diced check the label for gf turkey bacon — I use Jennie-O
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
2 cups pumpkin puree
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon lemon pepper
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions:
1. Brown turkey bacon.
2. Remove bacon from skillet and drain on paper towels. Reserve for later.
3. Add 1 Tablespoon oil to skillet. Add quinoa and cook, stirring until lightly browned.
4. Add water and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes or until just a little liquid is left on the quinoa.
6. Add pumpkin, nutmeg, pepper and cinnamon.
7. Reserving 1 Tablespoon of bacon for garnish add rest of bacon to quinoa. Stir.
8. Return pan to stove, cover and allow remaining liquid to be absorbed.
9. Pour pilaf into serving dish and garnish with remaining bacon.
Serves 6.
Like this recipe? Find more of my holiday recipes in Have Yourself a Healthy Little Holiday available at Espirational Books.
This recipe was shared with:
We are the Light of the World
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:14-16 The Bible, New International Version
The term “light of the world” is often associated with Jesus, especially during the Advent/Christmas season. But in the above scripture passage from what is known as the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us that WE are the light of the world. In these turbulent times it can be difficult and even frightening to let our light shine. But shine we must. We must live the truth, even though those who are still blind to it may ridicule or even threaten us.
I am the light of the world. YOU are the light of the world. WE are the light of the world. Now go forth and shine!
Thought for Today
“Pointing to another world will never stop vice among us; shedding light over this world can alone help us.”
― Walt Whitman
Thought for Today
“We all have a beautiful light within… We just sometimes forget it is there.” — John Holland
Thought for Today
“Light shines in the darkness and the darkness has n0t overcome it.” — John 1: 5 The Bible
Where Eagles Fly
The latest inspiration from Bob.
Thought for Today
“Kindness is the light that dissolves all walls between souls, families, and nations.”
– Paramahansa Yogananda
The Season of Magic and Miracles
Here we are in the middle of the holiday season, that magic, miraculous time of year. This is the season of miracles like the virgin birth of the Christ Child (Christmas) and lamps that burned well beyond the supply of oil (Hanukkah). Even the legends of Santa are full or magic, including flying reindeer and a rather rotund gentleman in a red fur trimmed suit actually making it down chimney after chimney to deliver gifts.
This is a season full of belief and hope. Even if we are not sure we believe we want to. We want to hope for better tomorrows.
As the very foundations of our country and our world are being shaken by the forces of darkness it is especially important for us to take time out to celebrate, look for the miracles that still surround us and maybe even make a little magic ourselves. This is the season where we normally see people being a little nicer than usual, giving to those in need and even speaking to strangers. Let’s not stop that because we are still angry over an election.
If we “call off Christmas” (or whatever holiday you celebrate) because of the uncertainty of the world we live in then the darkness wins. Worrying and fretting about what might happen doesn’t accomplish anything right now. I’m not talking about the Great Greed Festival some call Christmas, I’m talking about recognizing and celebrating the presence of something bigger than all of us still at work in our lives and in our world.
So go ahead and celebrate. Draw your loved ones close. And finally, keep your eyes open — you don’t want to miss those miracles and the magic of the season.
Thought for Today
Trust in the Light.
Darkness is not a force –
it is merely the absence of light.
Observe that when a light is brought to a dark place,
the darkness disappears.
Sadness is similar –
when joy is brought to suffering,
the sadness disappears.
Open yourself to the Light!
Hold back nothing,
Trust in the Light.
– Jonathan Lockwood Huie
espirational.com 