The Sacred Journey

The Sacred Journey

Take a moment to follow this link to a wonderful Asian brush painting - enjoy the painting as long as you like...

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We are all on the journey called “Life”!  As you reflect on this Asian Brush painting, you may notice that there is darkness and light, mountains and valleys, twists and turns, a bridge to cross over, and hidden places to stop and rest.  If you look closely, you may even see paths of your own personal journey and recall the persons in your life who have been there to encourage, inspire and support you in times of both joy and sorrow.  If you wish, sit quietly with the painting and reflect on “What path am I on now in my life journey”, and know that you are not alone.  As Paula D’Arcy has said:  “God comes to us disguised as our life”.



“Sunrise Serenade”

Asian Brush Painting by Sister Mary Anna Euring, OP

www.contemplativearts.vpweb.com

Surrounded by such beauty in the Canadian Rockies, all I could say was “Thank You!”, and years later, paint it from memory. Each day, no matter where we are, or what we may be dealing with in our lives, we are surrounded by beauty. During November, a month of remembrance and thanksgiving, I invite you to see, really see, the beauty in your life, the beauty of others, the beauty of our earth, the beauty of YOU, and be filled with gratefulness.

You may want to visit Brother David Steindl-Rast’s website which has deepened my sense of gratitude and wonder: www.gratefulness.org (especially his video “A Good Day”)!

Faith makes all things possible
Hope makes all things bright
Love makes all things easy

Let Jesus be in your heart
Eternity in your spirit
The world under your feet

The will of God in your actions
And…Let the love of God shine forth from you



Imagine a “Lighted ” candle for every time you’ve listened, cared, forgiven, laughed, hoped, helped, comforted or put someone else before yourself.

Imagine this “lighted ” candle for every quiet, hidden, unassuming and very compassionate extra tablespoon of love you have given to others.

Every time you made a small, but meaningful difference in someone else’s life this small lighted candle becomes a deep, wonderful and forever Light of Peace and helps to make the world so much warmer and peace filled.

Take your candle wherever you go….leave it lit in someone’s heart.

Lent…..a time to be still…..and hold your heart with a Faithfilled-Prayer.

Lent…..a time to be still…..and hold your heart with a Faithfilled-Prayer.

A Time to share our Faith in word, deed and example as a loving and dedicated Christian. Time to pray quietly, offer prayer with others and outstretched hearts of love to one another…those in need and those who knock on our hearts with challenges and wonderful happiness…to be the Light of Jesus’ Love…here and now is truly a Blessing.

Special Reflection:        1 Corinthians 13:1-7,  1 John 4:7-12

Heart~Prayer Sharing:
What is better…to give up candy or to give kindness, hope and understanding

What is better.. to give up….an attitude of indifference or a harmful word

What is better…..to spend time thinking good thoughts

What is better….to just do, say and be…the goodness in life

Jo’s Fancy Chicken

Jo’s Fancy Chicken

Ingredients:
2 pkgs. chicken breast
4 oz. or more prosciutto (cut into small pieces)
1/2 bag fresh spinach
8 oz. fresh mushroom (sliced thin)
1 envelope lipton secret savory herb & garlic
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp butter
8 oz. shredded mozzarella

Instructions
Preheat over 375 degrees
Spray 13 x 9 pan with Pam
Flash fry chicken with olive oil & 2 tbsp. butter
Make layer of chicken in pan – cover with prosciutto pieces – top with spinach – top with mushrooms
continue to make layers.
Whisk together olive oil – wine & herb from envelope – pour over top
Place foil over lightly – Bake 30 mins. – top with mozzarella cheese & whatever you like on your pizza (oregano, Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper, etc.)

Spaghetti and Meatball Cups

Spaghetti and Meatball Cups

Yield: 12 spaghetti & meatball cups

Ingredients
1 lb Lean Ground Beef 95%
1/4 c Seasoned Brad Brumbs
1 Large egg
1 tsp Skim Milk
8 oz Spaghetti broken into 2-3” pieces
3 egg whites
1 oz parmesan cheese freshly shredded (I used the smallest holes on a box grater to shred mine)
1/4 c 2% shredded mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 c plus 3 Tsp Marinara sauce

Instructions
Pre-heat the oven to 350. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil then lightly mist it with cooking spray and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, egg and skim milk and stir until mixed. Add the ground beef and stir in until thoroughly combined. Split the meat mixture into 12 equal pieces and roll them into balls. Set the balls on the prepared baking sheet and put them in the over to bake for 25 minutes at 350. While the meatballs bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the broken spaghetti pieces according to package directions. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside to cool (I actually stuck mine in the fridge for a few minutes. It doesn’t need to be cold, but you don’t want it to be too hot to handle when you press it into the cups). When the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and place them in a saucepot with 1 1⁄2 cups of marinara sauce. Bring the meatballs and sauce over low heat on the stovetop, just to keep it all warm. Stir occasionally. Turn the heat on the oven up to 400 degrees. OPTIONAL: Parsley or chopped fresh basil (optional garnish)

Pasta with Vodka Sauce

Pasta with Vodka Sauce

Ingredients
1 lb Penne Pasta
2 tbsp Olive oil
1/4 cup Vodka
1 can Crished Tomatoe
1/3 cup Heavy Cream

Instructions
Cooking Time: 15 min.

While pasta is cooking - heat oil - add vodka - raise heat-cook 30 seconds - stir in tomatoes salt & pepper. Cook 10 minutes on medium heat - stir occasionally - reduce heat - stir in cream cook 5 minutes - do not boil - drain pasta well - add half sauce - mix - top with rest. serve with Parmesan cheese.