Meatless Monday

http://www.meatlessmonday.com/

To be able to work for our daily bread and afterwards to enjoy the fruits of our labors is a blessing.

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 informs us: "Surely I have seen what is good and excellent for a man: to eat and to drink and to see that which is good in all his wearisome labor in which he toils under the sun for the few days of life which God has given to him, for this is his lot. Moreover, every man to whom God has given riches and empowers him to eat from them and to accept his lot and to rejoice in his labor, this is a gift of God."

Celebrate the beginning of the work week with a simple life affirming meal designed to prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer -- - four of the leading causes of death in America. Be a part of the national health campaign called "Meatless Monday".

Sunday's Simplicity

From Revelation 2:17: "I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it."

This verse has a special meaning for me that is hard to express. It reminds me that Jesus knows each of us in a very personal way, to the point that he calls us by a name only shared between us.

Consider entertaining during this epiphany season with a table celebrating this promise.

Draw from the beauty and simplicity of nature. Begin with a sage green tablecloth as a backdrop. Add quilted or other textured placemats in deep evergreen on top. Clay pots, antiqued white, placed on their sides might contain moss (gathered outdoors or purchased at craft stores) plus any evergreen sprigs you might enjoy (I love cedar during the holidays and rosemary at other times). Pull in some silver accents (serving pieces, condiment dishes or other décor) and the white stone place cards as a shining contrast to the touches of green. Layer your dinnerware. Begin with a white charger supporting a green edged dinner plate that’s topped with leaves and flowers. A clear glass plate for the top layer covers the greenery and protects the food.

The smooth white stones painted with guests’ names are the highlight.

Enjoy!

The Epiphany Season

As we begin a new year, may we, through God's guidance and our faithful obedience, find new avenues in ways that we have not imagined of holding the Light of God's love so that it may be a Light of revelation for all people.