Salads and more

It was our annual all-church picnic this weekend.    I was able to keep my sausage pasta hot using my normal potluck warmer; but, in the future, I think it is just easier to go with something like a fruit salad.  As usual, it was nice to fellowship with others in a relaxed setting; and I was even able to help out with some set-up and assuring that the food was evenly distributed among the tables.   It's interesting that I was able to use my past experience from serving with the Forever Young potlucks years ago.   And, it was fun and I felt cared about when one of the elders asked me to partner with him for the baloon toss; and another one got the group to cheer me into joining the watermelon-eating contest.  It also shows that I no longer just fly-under-the-radar quietly in the background anymore.

This week, I decided to just make a variety of different salads; and it would've made for an interesting salad buffet lunch if I had friends over.

• The Fruit Salad was easy; but, it actually took quite a bit of time to cut up all the fruit
• The Mediterranean Salad turned out quite well and I would definitely make it again; though next time, I will ensure that I add the dill weed.  I made it out of couscous, tomato, cucumber, olives, green onion, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt
• The Asian Salad (cucumber with carrots with salt, honey, and vinegar) is a good go-to dish, since it is simple and tasty
• Hummus served with carrots and celery sticks is healthier than using pita bread or chips
• Radish Kimchee could be served as a "salad" as well
• The strawberry, onion, green leaf lettuce salad really goes well with the ginger-orange infused olive oil and raspberry vinagrette
• The Mexican bean salad could use some work - next time, instead of using the mexican seasoning, I would stick to fresh cilantro, onion, and tomatos (for a "salsa"-type dressing) added to kidney beans, garbazo beans, and corn.  And, it actually tastes better when served over some green leaf lettuce.

The salads were fun to make; and would probably make for healthier eating this week.   On top of that, it would be good for this hot weather we've been having.

 And then, after church on Sunday, I was able to make myself useful by helping with the slides for the Ross Jutsum Concert.   He had shared a really touching and encouraging email from his daughter, which is a reminder that it's nice to take time to send notes to encourage others.

Over the weekend, I had once again asked "Why?" when it seemed like even the little things in my life were hitting bumps in the road.   My life has definitely no longer been peaceful sailing, and I sometimes it feels as if God seems to have taken his protective Hand off of me; but, I know that is not true.   He holds me in the palm of His Hand and has promised to never leave me nor forsake me.  And, it seemed like God was answering my question when I asked it, because as soon as I turned on the radio, the lyrics of "Blessings" reminded me that "this is "not our home" and that blessings, healing, and knowing Him better can come through our tears and challenges.  The verse about the greatest disappointments and achings of this life revealing a greater thirst this world can't satisfy, reminds me of the series on the Holy Spirit.   I am grateful that the trials of this life do draw me closer to my God.  Amen.