So this is what I’ve been chewing on today…
Today more than 26,500 children will die of preventable causes related to their poverty. And guess what? It will happen again tomorrow… and the next day… and the next. Around 10 million children will be dead in the course of a year.
How do we live with this? How does this not dominate our minds?
Because for the most part it happens on “the ends of the earth.” Let’s be honest. We simply have less empathy for people who live faraway. Richard Stearns said, “Our compassion for others seems to be directly correlated to whether people are close to us socially emotionally, culturally, ethnically, economically, and geographically.”
This makes total sense. It’s why if you hear a child was killed in a car accident you might find it sad, however if the child was one that lives in your neighborhood…one you saw on a regular basis…one who you knew the name of…it would stop you dead in your tracks.
We’re numb toward “the ends of the earth” and yet God has clearly called us to go there. And not JUST go there, but go there with His light.
Check out Pete’s entire post today, and the rest of the Compassion Bloggers in India.
I’ve always been amazed at the things that my kids come up with, and last Thursday was no different. I was reminded once again, though, that it’s all in the timing! The kids were playing in the other room and Jason and I were sitting on the couch in the family room. It was one of “those conversations”…you know the ones…that hint at some “alone time” later in the evening. I looked over at Jason with the ever-so-popular “babe, I’m not really in the mood today’. All of a sudden Abbie pops up from behind the couch and announces, “I have no idea what you guys are talking about, but I know something that will get you in the mood!”
And this is what ensued…
Filed under: Tuesday Tidbits
The story of my life this week seems to be that I am a day behind! I finally got caught up on my latest round of blog posts that were piled up in my reader! Here are just a few of my favorites ideas and posts from the last week.
- I tried this simple fruit salsa that Ainsley shared last week and the family loved it!
- I’m always up for new lunch ideas, and I really want to try this Asian Chicken Lettuce Wrap from Fashionably Foodie.
- I LOVE these “Days of the Week” tags to make mornings simpler with the kids!!!
- Really looking forward to getting the kids involved with our home decor in the family room…LOVE this idea for wall art.
Filed under: Meal Plans | Tags: chicken, crockpot, Meal Plan Monday, Meal Plans, mexican
Back to blogging…a little late. I had intended to get this up yesterday, but didn’t get a chance. Here’s our menu for the week!
Monday- Chicken and Rice & Veggie
Tuesday- Beef Mole Tamale Pie (recipe below) and Brocolli
Wednesday- Grilled Marinated Chicken, Red Potatoes and Vegetables
Thursday- Dr. Seuss Family Night (postponed from earlier in the month)– Green Eggs and Ham
Friday- Date Night
Saturday- Scrapbooking Night at my place…Favorite Sloppy Joes!
Sunday- Baked Ziti, Sauteed Yellow Squash and Zuccini, Bread
Need inspiration for your meals this week? Check out the hundreds of meal plans at orgjunkie.com.
Beef Mole Tamale Pie
1½ pounds ground chuck
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced (or substitute garlic powder)
1 ¼ cups medium-hot salsa
1 package (10 ounces) frozen corn, partially thawed
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 boxes Jiffy Cornbread Mix (prepared according to box)
Cilantro leaves, chili pepper and sour cream for garnish (optional)
Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray 11 x 7 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Brown ground chuck with onion, bell pepper and garlic in large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until meat just loses its pink color. Pour off drippings. Stir in salsa, corn, cocoa, cumin, oregano, salt and cinnamon. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, uncovered, 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in cheese and cilantro. Spread in prepared dish.
Prepare 2 boxes of Jiffy Mix according to directions on box. Spread batter evenly over meat mixture with spatula.
Bake 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Bake 20 minutes or until topping is light brown and filling is bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish if desired.
