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Let it Start in Me

The world is in turmoil. Change is coming and fear is in the air. There are those who are arming themselves and urging others to do likewise. They believe this is the only way to bring the world back to where they believe it should be and used to be. But is this really the way to bring about change? Is going backward really the right thing or do we need to move forward?

One thing I know is that violence only brings about more violence. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi knew this. To bring about peace we must be peace. To create more love in the world we must be love.

Now is the time for those who understand these principles to not only stand up and practice them, but also teach others. The noise and seeming power of the angry throng can be deafening and frightening, but we must not let it overcome us. We give away our power when we cower in fear or believe that the majority will win in spite of anything we might do. Are they really the majority or are the simply louder and angrier than the others?

Change is a comin’. But what kind of change? Will fear, anger and violence win, ultimately destroying our planet? Or will people of faith, peace and courage stand up and show the world that there is another way? It’s up to us. Let is start in us. Let it start in me.

Thought for Today

“If you want to make peace, you don’t talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.”

— Moshe Dayan

Okay, So What is “Aγάπη”?

Bob has a new blog post. He even works Valentine’s Day, a bit of our love story and a little Greek in there. Check it out.

Thought for Today

First keep the peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others.

— Thomas A. Kempis

A Valentine’s Day Treat

Waffle Sundae Copyright 2015 by RA Robbins — Waffle Sundae
Copyright 2015 by RA Robbins

Genie’s Note: A few of my readers may not know that before I was Espirational I was Gluten-Free and Loving It (on another blogging platform). That blog is long closed, but I am still loving the gluten-free life. So for Valentines Day I decided to do something I haven’t done for a while and share one of my gluten-free recipes, Hot Fudge Sundae on a Raft. Enjoy!

First the Raft….

Chocolate Waffles (GF with DF and EF options)

Ingredients:
2 cups gluten-free flour blend of your choice
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/3 cup cocoa powder (I use Hershey’s Special Dark)
1/4 cup agave nectar (or 1/2 cup sugar)
1/3 cup oil
3 Tablespoons flaxseed meal mixed with 9 Tablespoons hot water (or 3 eggs)
3/4 cup to 1 cup almond milk (or other milk or substitute)
fresh or frozen raspberries or strawberries for garnish

Directions:
1. Combine flaxseed meal and water. Allow to sit until thick.
2. In a large bowl mix flour, baking soda, baking powder and cocoa.
3. Add agave nectar, oil, flax seed meal and water mixture and 3/4 cup almond milk. Stir until ingredients are blended. Add the remaining 1/4 cup milk a little at a time if mixture is too thick.
4. Cook according to instructions with waffle iron.

Dark Chocolate Sauce

Ingredients:
1/2 cup cocoa powder (I use Hershey’s Special Dark)
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. agave nectar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to boil over medium heat.
2. Reduce heat and simmer 2-3 minutes until sauce coats a spoon. Be sure to stir the sauce so it doesn’t burn on the bottom of the pan.
3. Allow sauce to cool and pour into a squeeze bottle. (I reuse my agave bottles.)

To Assemble the Sundae:
1. Drizzle chocolate sauce on the plate, extending beyond where the waffle will be. This is just to make it look pretty.

2. Place waffle on top of sauce.
3. Top with a scoop of your favorite regular or non-dairy ice cream, Greek yogurt, whipped cream, whipped cream cheese, whatever strikes your fancy.
4. Garnish with fresh or frozen raspberries or sliced strawberries and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

This recipe has been added to the Sugar and Spice Link Party. Please visit there for more Valentine’s Day recipes.