Life can flash before your eyes in a moment. Have you ever had one of those experiences? I have had a couple in my lifetime.
This week, I had one of those phone calls, where I was the person on the other end hearing the words, “I am OK, but…” I am so glad I am in tune with the Holy Spirit and pray without ceasing, otherwise, I would have freaked out.
Last week was a crazy one, and then my husband had to travel several hours away. This bothered me for two reasons. One, I hate that I don’t get to be with him, but work keeps us all busy. And, two, the rain has been really bad for traveling.
It doesn’t matter what has happened in life, it is how you handle things that matter.
We live in a tough world with crime, sickness, and cruel people. Let’s face it, life is just tough. We are human and we are going to mess up, and stress about things.
I say you are allowed a “moment,” then you pick yourself up by the bootstraps and brush yourself off, hold your head up high and trust God that He has whatever you are going through all worked out.
I think that is why the Bible says to pray without ceasing – so you are ready for whatever comes your way. Be “prayed up” and ready. Life happens. There will be days that you are think, “What just happened? I need a do over.” or “I don’t even want to get out of bed.” That is when you give it to God and say, “Here. I am done and can’t do this on my own.”
He is waiting for you to say that anyway. You see God won’t help if we are interfering in what He is trying to do.
We always mess things up. Our ways are not always His ways. Most of the time they are not His ways.
Many times, people think they are all alone, and their life is hard. I’ll bet if you will look back on your life, you will see God was in it the whole time.
As I reflect on things that have happened in my lifetime, I know that God protected me and helped me through. If it wasn’t for God I wouldn’t be here today.
I have done some stupid things in my life, as I know we all have. You’re still here because God is not finished with you yet. Maybe he is giving us a wake up call to totally surrender to him. As Christians, I believe the devil is mad, and is trying to prevent us from doing what God has called us to do.
Be nice to someone today. It maybe the only Jesus they see.
So, Love a little harder. Forgive even more. And keep the prayers and relationship going with God. We will make it through this tough world.
Stuffed Shrimp Bread
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs large shrimp, peeled, deveined, diced into 1/2 inch chunks
1 loaf Ciabatta bread
2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup onions, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon creole seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup jack cheese, grated
3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
green onions to garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cut Ciabatta bread in half or slice of top of bread.
Scoop out less than half a inch out of bread and set aside.
Mix seasonings and set aside.
Season shrimp with half of seasonings and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt butter olive oil and cook onions, celery, bell pepper, for 5 minutes add garlic, season with remaining spices cook 1 minute more.
Add shrimp cook for 5 minutes.
Turn off heat.
Add dry mustard, sour cream and mayonnaise to shrimp mixture, mix well.
Add cheese and blend until melted.
Stuff Ciabatta with mixture.
Bake at 350°F oven for about 20-30 minutes until golden brown on top.
Garnish with green onions.
Cut into slices and serve.
Tina Specht is co-publisher of the Minden Press-Herald. She shares her thoughts and recipes each Thursday.
