
Scared and sacred are spelled with the same letters. Awful proceeds from the same root word as awesome. Terrify and terrific. Every negative experience holds the seed of transformation. — Alan Cohen

An earlier blog post titled Life in Six Words has been the most read, commented on and liked blog post I have written so far. Thank you. It must have struck a chord with people.
I thought during Lent when many engage in introspective spiritual practices might be a good time to try this again. Condensing a lifetime so far into just six words can be difficult, but can also help focus on the most meaningful moments of life. Perhaps they were life changers or simple affirmations of being on the right track.
So, here we go… again. I’ll start.
Out of darkness, into the light.
Now it’s your turn. What is your life in six words?

“As I arise today, may the strength of God pilot me, the power of God uphold me, the wisdom of God guide me. May the eye of God look before me, the ear of God hear me, the word of God speak for me. May the hand of God protect me, the way of God lie before me, the shield of God defend me, the host of God save me. May Christ shield me today…Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I stand, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.” — Saint Patrick of Ireland, Bishop and Missionary
Tomorrow is the Feast Day of St. Patrick, known in the U.S. as Saint Patrick’s Day. Many Americans will celebrate with corned beef and cabbage. Bob and I enjoy cabbage throughout the year. I realize many people do not. If this is the case for you, then perhaps your cabbage has been overcooked.
I remember growing up cabbage was cooked so long and the odor became so strong it would peel the paint off the walls :). The taste was strong and not pleasant. It was not until many years later when I learned about steaming cabbage that I also learned to enjoy it.
Cut your cabbage into wedges (I usually go for quarters) and remove the core. Steam using a steamer basket or a covered skillet with a small amount of water until you can can insert a sharp knife into the wedge with only slight resistance. I remove the leaves one at a time and eat them with a little spray margarine or lemon juice and a sprinkle of lemon pepper.
Don’t forget cabbage when looking to get more variety in your vegetables. Raw cabbage makes a great salad and cabbage is also a nice addition to soup. But the one thing to remember is don’t overcook it!
“All it takes is one bloom of hope to make a spiritual garden.” ~Terri Guillemets