"A 10 minute vacation for the soul."
“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” — Marcel Proust [Source: Goodreads]
I recently heard this beautiful song from India Arie. It speaks so eloquently to the truth that we are all sent to this earth to be God expressing.
Please taka minute to go to YouTube to watch this wonderful video. http://youtu.be/ism8dBjxKvc
Bob and I always celebrate the first pot of chili of the season. A soup supper is fairly easy to set up and host. Using slow cookers you can set up your soup on your island, kitchen counter or table. You may serve the soup or allow the guests to serve themselves. Provide any garnishes you wish such as cheese, croutons, sour cream, etc. and bread or crackers if you wish.
Add your favorite people, beverages and dessert and you have a party. You could make this a pot luck dinner and invite guests to bring soup or dessert to share if you desire.
“Your heart is the center of your power. I have learned that you can create easily and effortlessly when you let your thoughts come from the loving space of your heart. “ — Louise Hay [Source: Louise Hay Newsletter]
Recently a group of ladies met at a restaurant to celebrate a neighbor’s birthday. It was a bit of a struggle for me to go. I am shy and although I may appear to be outgoing, I have to work at it. But this party was for someone who has been very nice and helpful as we have been getting settled.
But what if there was nothing I could eat? I was full of excuses for why I shouldn’t/couldn’t go. So what did I do? I looked up the menu for the restaurant online and scouted out what I could probably eat. I also ate a little before going just in case and I went to the party.
When I got there I discovered a gluten free menu and gluten free bread. So I enjoyed a sandwich, something I am rarely able to eat. Sure I wanted a piece of birthday cake but instead of feeling left out I focused on the look of sheer joy on the honorees face as she enjoyed here sugar free birthday cake — a cake she could eat.
The party was lovely. The honoree was very surprised and there was good conversation with good people. I’m glad I went.
Remember it isn’t always about the food. If we stay away from social gatherings because of what we might not be able to eat, we are missing out on the sharing between friends and family that is the sweet stuff of life.
“And how does peace come? Simple. By accepting who we are and what we have as enough for us. By recognizing and respecting who the other is and what they have as theirs. By finding within ourselves “the pearl of great price,” the richest thing there is in life, the sense of the presence of God who loves and companions us through all the pressures of life.” — Joan Chittister [Source: “Peace” in Uncommon Gratitude
by Joan Chittister and Rowan Williams (Liturgical Press)]
In case you are not familiar with S’mores they are a toasted marshmallow smooshed between two graham cracker halves with a nice piece of a chocolate candy bar. The hot marshmallow melts the chocolate and makes for a decadent, ooey gooey treat.
Why are they called S’mores? Because after you’ve eaten one you want s’more.
The marshmallows are traditionally toasted over a campfire (remember summer camp or hayrack rides ending at a campfire?) but you may also use a burner of a gas stove or a kitchen torch (please be careful).
If you are gluten free there are gluten free versions of graham crackers available, or you can make your own. Of course they technically aren’t “graham” crackers because “graham flour” is a form of wheat. But they still taste good.
“Every morning I spend fifteen minutes filling my mind full of God; and so there’s no room left for worry thoughts.” –Howard Chandler Christy, artist [Source: Guideposts Scripture and Reflection Newsletter]
“Some changes look negative on the surface but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge.”— Eckhart Tolle
espirational.com