New Seasons on the Horizon

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The current temperatures and beautiful September sunshine is no indication that we are approaching a new season..but the calendar shouts of autumn’s approach and so do football enthusiasts! Spring and summer have always been my favorite seasons, and honestly a twinge of dread usually grasps my heart about this time of year.

New opportunities, new school years and new studies begin and events are planned that lead to joyous holiday celebrations, yet along the way comes my nearly constant companion – the cold natured chill. It’s the nagging ever-present, teeth grinding chill that sends me to want to sit in front of a space heater…permanently.

My challenge with the cold started right after my accident. It seems no amount or type of clothing can effectively do the trick…merino wool and hot water are my dear spinal cord injured winter friends!

All this to say, I am purposing to raise the bar on my heart of gratitude in preparation for the change in the weather. Although it’s not my favorite time, I CAN appreciate every season’s unique beauty and dynamics with a heart of thanksgiving!

My upcoming discomfort and grief will not prevent the power of gratitude to my Lord who gives me strength and joy.

My grateful heart opens the door to experiencing His presence more richly. So, as summer soon sets, my praises will rise on the wings of the dawn of autumn breezes and I will give thanks.

Praying an increase in gratitude for all my friends….as I know your new seasons may bring challenges that demand the amazing medicine of thanksgiving for your body, soul and spirit.

Madge
Scripture memory #17 potential verses:

– Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thes. 5:15

– Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4.

Easy Ginger Coconut Tilapia

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We have been on a little getaway to the beach this week. The seafood is always a great treat but I have to admit that I am missing one of my own recipes for tilapia. When we get back home, it will be the first thing on my list to eat!
Because I love this dish so much I thought I would share it with you. Maybe you’ll have a chance to enjoy it!
Since we are only cooking for two people, here’s the recipe for two fillets of fish, but of course you can double (or triple) it if you like!
Easy Ginger Coconut Tilapia
Two 6 oz fillets of tilapia (or your favorite white fish)
1 clove of garlic
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
3 tablespoons coconut oil
1-2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds
1/2 lime, juiced
Salt and pepper
1. In a small bowl, grate the garlic clove and fresh ginger and add the coconut oil and lime juice.
2 Dry the fish with a paper towel and lay side-by-side on a piece of aluminum foil. Lightly salt and pepper.
3. Pour the lime juice and coconut oil mixture over the fish and top it with the almonds. Wrap the foil around the fish, making an enclosed pouch. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until the fish is flaky.
And that’s it!
I currently have a thing for coconut oil so we often serve this fish with a rice dish made of cooked rice (brown or white), a few tablespoons of coconut oil, a few sliced almonds and some craisans. Add some asparagus or fresh squash or your favorite vegetable and you’re all set for dinner!
Bon appétit!

Better than Ice Cream? Talenti Gelato Review

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I scream, You scream we all scream for…Gelato? What?

YES! Gelato!

Talenti, the best selling gelato in the US is moving its production headquarters only fifteen minutes from my house.  The day before I read the announcement of the move I wrote this review because of my enjoyment of this mouth-watering and delicious product. Now I am ready to tour the plant!

Truly Spectacular
I’m not a fanatical fan of ice cream and eat it only occasionally. When I do indulge I prefer the high end, high fat  brands like Haagen Das and other great rich and creamy delights on the market.  I’d rather have a couple spoonfuls of the good stuff than a bowl of so-so ice cream.

Recently, on a whim, we picked up a pint of Talenti’s Sea Salt Caramel Gelato from one of the last places I would expect to find such an incredible artisnal indulgence – Target.  The treat is also available at most retail grocers.

Its smooth creaminess outperforms ice cream any day of the week, and its caramel flavor pops an outrageous silky experience for the tongue. All the ingredients used are of exemplary quality.  ‘Dulce de leche’ deep caramel from Argentina,  chocolate from Belgium, fresh hormone free milk, fleur de sel sea salt from France and cane sugar.

What is Gelato?
In case you don’t know, gelato is similar to ice cream but because less air is whipped in it has a magical texture. It typically has more than 30% less fat than high end ice creams, but because of Its reduced air content it is not prone to ice crystal formation often battled in ice cream.

There is a greater proportion of whole milk to cream and it is churned at slower speeds than ice cream yielding a product that is super silky and lower in fat.

Often this treat is served at a slightly higher temperature than ice cream. Interestingly, my husband accidentally put the gelato in the refrigerator instead of the freezer overnight and the next day when I wanted ‘a bite’ I grabbed a spoon and was surprised at how it held it’s texture upon refreeze…and it was dangerously decadent in its refrigerated state too – I almost ate the remainder of the container.  Oh no, my occasional indulgence is turning into a daily routine.

Other Flavors
We tried the Double Dark Chocolate, and it was rich and tasty, but I didn’t prefer the incorporation of tiny dark chocolate flecks that disguised its smooth texture. Chocolate chip ice cream has never been my favorite, but the small chocolate caramel truffles in the Salted Caramel are delectable. I savor each one individually!

There has to be a flavor for everyone.  I’ve got my eye on the smooth chip free Belgium Milk Chocolate and the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup as well as a few sorbetto flavors. 

Perhaps the next time you crave a sensational treat, you will reach for one of Talenti’s delightful treasures. Enjoying the Sea Salt Caramel flavor is better than savoring a high quality salted caramel. If you like caramel I have no doubt it will not disappoint.

May all sweetness be added to your day, and for heaven’s sake try some Talenti’s Sea Salt Caramel Gelato, but be wise my friends or you might just get hooked.  -Madge

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24 NIV

The Reading of the Word…

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What a beautiful day it is when words come to life! In my daily reading plan this week I was directed to the book of Nehemiah. Having studied it this summer, the reading was fresh and alive!

It was particularly poignant as I listened to the Daily Audio Bible podcast present the Nehemiah passage.

Ezra, a high priest and scribe, read the words of the law to the Jews after the demolished walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt under Nehemiah’s leadership. The people gathered and listened attentively for hours after the repair of the walls was complete. (I guess that was quite a podcast!)

In those days the literacy rate is thought to have been less than 10% throughout the world. Hearing was the only way that most would know God’s teachings and their history.

I appreciate our access to the scriptures and so many other writings. It wasn’t long ago when few people could read. Even today it is estimated that 18% of the world’s population over age 15 are illiterate. That is almost 1 out of every 5 people!

To think that I have dozens of versions of the Bible available at my fingertips! What a treasure….but even having the it at my fingertips and with me virtually all the time doesn’t make me immune from being like the Jews who intently listened to the word, repented and made serious commitments to God – then after life became comfortable and they were settled and satisfied many lost their ferver and devotion…May that not be you and me.

Oh Lord, forgive us for our apathy and forgive us where we don’t shine your light and live for your glory. Let us be your hands and feet in the world and help us rebuild where you call us to rebuild as Nehemiah did. Let us honor your word and your ways. Let us feed those who are physically and spiritually hungry. Let us look after orphans and widows in distress. Let us be a people who are devoted to you. Keep us from distractions that pull us away from your plan and direction. Give us strength. 

Below are two often quoted powerful Nehemiah verses. (If you are on this scripture memorization journey with me you may want to consider them for memory verses).

This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Neh. 8:10 NIV

I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Neh. 6:3 NAS

Prayers that we do the great work we are called to do this day and every day. -Madge