A Very Special Date

What’s in a date?  Are there dates that you remember and hold near and dear to your heart? We all have dates we will remember forever.  For me I will definitely remember the day I met Alessandro or the day he proposed. Definitely our wedding day! And of course I will remember our children’s birth dates.

But there is another date that is very special to me.  That date is March 24. It’s an unassuming date but it has two very special significances for me. The first is that it was the date my dear cousin Paolo was born.  He was born in Italy. He was born premature and despite all odds he survived!   Having been born in Italy meant we here in Canada were not close enough, physically, to see him grow up day to day.  But we were with him and my aunt and uncle when he was learning how to walk.  It is one summer that I will always remember.  His giggle. His beautiful eyes.  The way he would wake me in the morning.  So precious and so special to me.

But the years went by and lives got busy and trips to Italy stopped for one reason or another.  The last time I saw Paolo was on my layover in Italy while on our way to Malta for our honeymoon.  Paolo was 13.  He had grown so much and was now a shy teenager.  But his smile and his beautiful eyes were the same.

Unfortunately, Paolo passed away on June 30, 2010 at the age of 20 of Leukemia.  At the time of his death, I had already been questioning certain aspects of my faith.  But his death brought me to a new area of questioning.

Having been raised a Catholic, I was taught that when someone dies they either go to heaven, hell or purgatory.  Only the innocent go to heaven, so I was taught.  The evil go to hell and the ones that were in between stayed in purgatory.  They would remain in limbo awaiting to enter heaven.  So after my cousin’s death I wondered, what really happens when we die? I could not understand how a dead loved one could be “resting in with peace,” so to speak, if they were in limbo.  Also, if they were in heaven watching down on us, how could they be free from pain if all they see is their family members suffering day to day with their loss?

Alessandro tried to comfort me as best as he could.  He tried to give me bible scriptures.  I didn’t want to hear what he had to say.  So he gave me something to read that he thought may help comfort me.  He gave me a brochure called “When Someone You Love Dies…”

I read the brochure cover to cover but it wasn’t what was written in the brochure per se that helped comfort me; it was what I read in the bible!  The message in the bible gave me hope…a real hope!  First the bible helped to clarify the state of the dead.  In Psalm 146:6 I read, “His spirit goes out, he returns to the ground; on that very day his thoughts perish.”  Also, in Ecclesiates 9:5 it says, “For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing at all, nor do they have any more reward, because all memory of them is forgotten.” Verse 10 of this chapter reads, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do with all your might, for there is no work nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom in the Grave where you are going.”  These three scriptures helped me realize that when we die, then all of us dies.  There is nothing that lingers on and sits in limbo.  Jesus himself described death like having fallen asleep. That is how he described his friend’s Lazarus’ death (John 11:11, 13, 14).  But Jesus also spoke of a hope.  He said that he was traveling to awaken Lazarus.  Jesus well knew his friend was indeed dead and not merely asleep.  “Then Jesus said to them plainly: ‘Lazarus has died…’”  (John 11:14).  So what was Jesus speaking of when he spoke of awaking Lazarus?  He was speaking of the resurrection. 

The dictionary meaning of resurrection is “the act of rising from the dead.” One must have died to actually benefit from being resurrected.  So then if we are to believe other teachings, if our dead loved ones move on to heaven, hell or purgatory, why would there be a resurrection? Why would Jesus have felt compelled to resurrect Lazarus back to earth if he was in heaven?  This questioning also leads to the question “Then why did God need to resurrect Jesus after he was killed?”

A deeper study of the scriptures reminds us that God never intended for mankind to die.  Mankind was to live forever on the earth, an earth that was to be cultivated into a paradise from the Garden of Eden onward.  This all can be found in the first few chapters of Genesis.  But because Adam sinned, his sin brought death to all mankind (Romans 5:12).  God put into place a new hope for mankind.  It was a way for all mankind to be forgiven their sins and the prospect to once again live forever on a paradise earth.  In John 5:28, 29, Jesus said, while speaking to the crowd, “Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment.”

There were many other scriptures that gave me comfort but the knowledge that my cousin was truly resting in peace and not stuck in limbo brought real closure for me. The knowledge that one day he, along with all my dead loved ones, will be resurrected to a life without illness and the hope of living forever on a paradise earth brought real joy to my heart (Revelation 21:3, 4).

Now this leads me to the second significance of the date March 24.  This March 24^th will be my 2^nd year anniversary to my public dedication to serve Jehovah God.  I was baptized on March 24, 2013, as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses after an in-depth study of the bible.  When I truly took the time to study the bible and what Jehovah God had left behind for us, I knew I needed to make a change. I knew in my heart that I wanted to serve Jehovah despite the knowledge of opposition.

As sad as I still am about losing my cousin at such a young age, I am grateful that something positive came from it. I am ever grateful to Jehovah and Jesus because their sacrifice has allowed us the privilege to one day live forever.  So this March 24^th I will rejoice for the memories I have of my cousin but I will also rejoice in my decision to serve Jehovah and the promises He has in store for all mankind.

A Special Request

Like many of you, I have watched the countless ice bucket challenges posted on various social media. I also watched a little video of the gentleman, Pete Frates that started this movement. It is heart breaking to see how ALS is robbing this man of his life. From a life he should be enjoying with his wife. From a future life with his unborn baby that is due in September. What is even more heart breaking is the countless others suffering in their own silence. Alessandro and I knew a gentleman that has since passed away from ALS. Like many other illnesses/diseases, ALS strips people of their dignity. To witness loved ones deteriorate before your very eyes is heart wrenching.

It is hard for some to comprehend that all illnesses/diseases stem from one sin. In the book of Romans chapter 5 verse 12 states: “That is why, just as through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because they had all sinned.”* When man was created, he was created perfect. There was no illness, no fear of getting sick, no fear of debilitating diseases, not even a fear of death. But after Adam sinned all this was lost.

 I am aware there are many that are not religious/spiritual and that they doubt God’s existence or blame Him for our suffering. But I ask everyone for just a moment to continue reading, as there is a hope for everyone; a guarantee that is extended to all whether they listen or not. The bible..holy book…holy scriptures…whatever it is that you call it, offers many people comfort and hope now and for the future. In the book of Isaiah chapter 33 verse 24 states: “And no resident (or inhabitant) will say: ‘I am sick.’” In the book of Revelation chapter 21 verses 3 to 5 state: “With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: ‘Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.’ And the One seated on the throne said: ‘Look! I am making all things new.’ Also he says: ‘Write, for these words are faithful and true.’”

 For many the above are just words written in an outdated book. But are they really just words? When we look at the world today, can we honestly say that humans have been able to help or cure the world of the many problems? No! Even though there have been many advancements in medicine and science, many illnesses and diseases still plague mankind. Case in point malaria, TB, Ebola, cancer, the list goes on. Man can only offer “band-aid” solutions. As horrible as that sounds, it is a reality.

 Please don’t get me wrong, I’m not against any organization that is trying their best to find cures to many diseases. I’m just trying to get a deeper message across. Society as a whole needs a cure. That can only come if we start to look at our world without our blinders on. This world is “lying in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) Until we all come to realize and believe this truth, there will never be a true cure for mankind. The wicked one aka the Devil, would like nothing more than to have you believe that God is the problem. That God is the cause of all pain and suffering. But is that the truth? Or is the Devil continuing to mislead us? Is he trying to divert attention away from himself and lay blame at God’s feet? The bible says that “It is unthinkable for the true God to act wickedly, for the Almighty to do wrong!” (Job 34:10) So if God is not to blame, who is? As I already stated earlier, the Devil truly is to blame. Mind you “unexpected events overtake” (Eccl. 9:10) us all from time to time. But the majority of mankind’s problems stem from the Devil.

 There is one more, of many promises, found in the bible that I’d like to share. It is found in Isaiah chapter 35 verses 5 and 6: “At that time the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will be unstopped. At that time the lame will leap like the deer, and the tongue of the speechless will shout for joy. For waters will burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert plains.”

 Though I truly appreciate the movement and ice bucket challenges, I have a challenge or more a request, for everyone. Pick up your bible, read, study, meditate on what God has preserved for us. Dig deeper than the once a week set aside for God. I am sure within its pages you will find true comfort and hope for the future that is longer lasting than a fad movement.

Accept my request and click on the link provided and see why it is important to study the bible and why it is important to learn the truth found in the bible.

Why Study the Bible?

  *All scriptures are taken from The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures 2013 Revision. Can be read online at jw.org or you can pick up a free copy at your local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Pumpkin Pot Pie

Here is the recipe for the pumpkin pot pie.  I should tell you that it isn't an exact recipe, as I was winging it as I went along.  But this is what I used and did for my second attempt, which came out pretty good. Also, this was for a 9x9 baking dish.  It made four servings.  I guess you would have to double it up to make more.

Ingredients

1 small pumpkin, cleaned, peeled, seeded and cut into 1cm cubes
2 to 3 tablespoons of oil
2 to 3 tablespoons of Kraft Greek salad dressing
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cinnamon stick (or 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon)
1 tablespoon of butter
1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cup of milk
1/2 can of corn
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 package of Tenderflake Puff Pastry

Directions

1.  Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2.  Heat up oil and salad dressing over medium heat in saucepan on stove top.
3.  Add cubed pumpkin, and sauté. Stir to ensure pumpkin does not stick.  
4.  Add nutmeg, break cinnamon stick in two and add (or add cinnamon powder if using).
5.  Add salt and pepper.
6.  When pumpkin starts to get soft, add butter.  Stir to melt.
7.  Add flour and stir in until dissolved.
8.  Add milk and increase heat. Allow to come to boil. Stir constantly.
9.  Reduce to a simmer.  Allowing milk to thicken up.  Time will vary depending on heat source.
10. Taste for seasoning.  Adjust accordingly.
11. Discard cinnamon stick if using.
12. Add corn and stir to heat through. Set filling aside.
13. Lightly flour work surface, rolling pin and puff pastry.  Roll out dough to approximately 9x9. (if doubling the recipe, use the whole package and roll out enough to fit baking dish being used)
14. Place pumpkin filling in baking dish. Top with shredded cheese. Top with puff pastry and tuck in the edges.  Make four ventilation slits in puff pastry.
15. Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until puff pastry is golden. Keep eye on baking dish as cheese and filling can sometimes boil out.   
16. Remove and allow to cool for about 5 minutes.
17. Serve and enjoy!!!!


Hope you like it as much as I did.  You can add different vegetables instead of corn, but I found that corn did not over power the taste of the pumpkin!

Baked figs

My mom used to make these every winter! I never really enjoyed actually eating them though. I had more fun breaking open the walnuts and lathering the figs with honey!!

I made these with my kids a few weeks ago.  My son helped cracking the walnuts while my daughter had a blast watching mommy get her fingers dirty with honey!

The figs can be a great little snack unless of course you eat all of them in one sitting ;)

Ingredients

1 pkg of dried figs (preferably the ones packaged whole and not flattened)
1/4 cup or so walnuts, unshelled
Honey for spreading

Directions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.  Set cookie aside for later.   
Carefully cut figs 2/3 of the way open.  Put enough walnut pieces to fill one side of the fig.  Close up the fig as tightly as possible, making sure none of the walnuts bulge out. Set aside and repeat with remaining figs.

Carefully spread a thin layer of honey on all the fig and place on cookie sheet.  Repeat with remaining figs.  

Place cookie sheet with figs in oven for about 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them because you don't want them to burn depending on the heat of your oven. Every oven will unfortunately bake differently.  After about 10 minutes, flip figs onto other side and bake for another 8-10 minutes.

Be careful when removing them from cookie sheet because you do not want to get burned with the hot honey. Let stand until room temperature. Enjoy!!! 

To store, simply place in a serving dish or plate and cover with cling wrap or if you want to be Eco-friendly, just but a bowl on top of dish!   

Red Bell Pepper Soup

Seeing as the weather is getting quite chilly outside, I think it is time for some soup recipes! This is one that I have shared with a few people already.  I initially made this with roasted red peppers because I had them made but didn't want to eat them in the usual manner; with olive oil and minced garlic.  Knowing that my husband likes soup, I turned them into soup.  You don't have to use roasted red peppers because they will give the soup a smoky flavor.  But if you are going to use them, be sure to give yourself enough time to roast them and time to clean off the peels/skin! Otherwise make the soup exactly like the recipe says.

Hope every enjoys it!!!!! 

Red Bell Pepper Soup
Serves 4-6 

Ingredients

4 large red bell peppers, cleaned and cubes
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium potato, peeled and cubes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
4 cups vegetable stock (4 cups water and 2 vegetable bouillons) 
1 1/2 cups Half and half or table cream
Black pepper to taste. 
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper OPTIONAL

Directions

In a large sauce pot on medium-high heat sauté onion and garlic in olive oil for about 2 minutes. Add red bell peppers, potato, and Italian seasoning.  Saute for about 5 minutes.  Add vegetable stock or the water and bouillon cubes.  Increase heat and bring to boil.  Stir occasionally.  When it boils, reduce to a simmer and cover but leave lid partially open to allow steam to escape. Cook until peppers and potato can be easily pierced with a fork.  

Use caution for next step! If you have an immersion blender, remove the pot from the heat and carefully blend up the soup until you reach the smooth consistency of your choice.  Please note that the pepper skin will remain in very tiny bits no matter how you blend it.  If using a stand up blender, please allow soup to cool completely otherwise it will cause lid to pop off blender and you may get burned!  

If using blender, return pureed soup into sauce pot.  Otherwise return pot on to heat.  On high heat, add cream.  Taste soup at this point to determine if any salt is needed.  Add black pepper and if using, cayenne pepper. Once soup comes to boil, reduce to simmer.  Stir to determine the thickening of the soup, as cream will thicken the soup.  Allow to simmer about 7-10 minutes.

Serve hot and plain or with croutons if you like.  If using the cayenne, serve with a dollop of sour cream and some finely chopped chives.   

Love is not a fight by Warren Barfield

One of my favorite songs from the movie Fireproof

Love is not a place
To come and go as we please
It's a home we enter in
Then commit to never leave

So lock the door behind you 
Throw away the key
Work it out together
Let it bring us to our knees

Love is a shelter
In a raging storm
Love is peace
In the middle of a war

If we try to leave
May God send angels to guard the door
No love is not a fight
But it's something worth fighting for

To some, love is a word
They can fall into
But when they're falling out
Keeping hay word is hard to do

Love is a shelter
In a raging storm
Love is peace
In the middle of a war

If we try to leave
May God send angels to guard the door
No love is not a fight
But it's something worth fighting for

Love will come to save us
If we'll only call
He will ask nothing from us
But demand we give our all

Love is a shelter
In a raging storm
Love is peace
In the middle of a war

If we try to leave
May God send angels to guard the door
No love is not a fight
But it's something worth fighting for

I'd fight for you
Would you fight for me
It's worth fighting for baby.

First Blog

Well here I am trying my hand at becoming a blogger!!!!

Nothing too exciting to report right now.

The kids and I are still at my parents' house. We should be going home soon because my sister in law is coming up from the States. Unfortunately, the kids don't want to go back home quite yet. How do I convince them that we have to go???

I think we need to get home so that we can get back to our routine. We will be a bit bored at home because we will be alone but we have to get back to our routine.

Hard to believe that July is almost over too! That means summer vacation is almost over too! Not looking forward to all the walking I will have to do now that Alessia will be going to JK. I am going to need to eat a lot of calories in order to keep up with all the ones I will lose walking back and forth six times a day!!!!

Going to end this here because the kids are watching America's Funniest Home Videos and laughing their heads off!!! Think I want to join in on the fun!!!!!!