Two Great Recipes

Don't you just love having the holidays as a "good excuse" for trying yummy recipes? Tonight I fixed two new items that Steve pronounced stirring successes. The top picture shows the Spinach/Chicken/Mozzarella Bake before it went in the oven, and the second picture is a plate of the Peanut Butter Snickers cookies. If I had some confectioner's sugar, I would sprinkle a little on top just to make them look a little more festive. But, the taste makes up for any plain appearance on the outside.

SPINACH/CHICKEN/MOZZARELLA BAKE

9-oz. package prewashed spinach

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, uncooked

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. pepper

2 Roma tomatoes, sliced

1 c. sliced mushrooms

1 packet dry Italian salad dressing mix, prepared with Balsamic vinegar

2 c. shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese

1 6-0z. package angel hair pasta or rice, cooked

Place the spinach in the bottom of a coated 9" by 13" baking dish. Place the chicken breasts on top of the spinach; season with the salt and pepper. Place the tomatoes and mushrooms on top of the chicken. Mix the Italian dressing mix according to the directions on the package, substituting Balsamic vinegar for the regular vinegar. Pour the dressing over the spinach, chicken, tomatoes, and mushrooms. Top with the cheese. Bake at 350-degrees for 40 minutes. Serve over the angel hair pasta or rice. Serves 4.

PEANUT BUTTER SNICKERS COOKIES

1 c. butter, softened (use real butter and not margarine)

1 c. creamy peanut butter

1 c. brown sugar

1 c. white sugar

2 eggs

1 t. vanilla

Mix until fluffy.

Sift together -- 3 1/2 c. all purpose flour, 1 t. soda, and 1/2 t. salt

And add to the first mixture.

Refrigerate for a couple of hours or put the batter in the freezer for 30 minutes.

Also, put a package of Snickers miniatures in the freezer for awhile, too.

Wrap 1 to 2 tablespoons of batter around each Snicker and place on a cookie sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.

Bake at 325-degrees for 16-18 minutes.

Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar, if desired.

Makes 3 1/2 dozen.

After eating all that healthy spinach, maybe you'll feel better about savoring one of the cookies.

Tiger Walk, ANOTHER Scripture Illustration??

Last Saturday, a whole bunch of Pearsons and I started off our Game Day experience by getting in position for Tiger Walk, a tradition that really began in the early '60's but blossomed into a major event on December 2, 1989, when the University of Alabama football team came into town and played in our stadium for the first time in the history of this in-state rivalry. Some have said that more than 20,000 participated that day. I'm not good at estimating crowds, but there was solid representation of the Auburn faithful last week, too.
Tiger Walk was started as a way for the fans to wish the team well in the upcoming game and to line their path with cheers all the way from the athletic dorm to the entrance of the stadium. It has been called "the most copied tradition in all of college football." It is always held two hours before the kick-off, and for really big games, the fans get a chance to roar with pride, energy and passion and, hopefully, to fire up the team to bring in a victory.
For this most recent Tiger Walk, the "appointed time" was 12:30 p.m. and "the word on the street" was that we would need to claim a spot by 11:45 a.m. in order to get the best view of all the players and coaches. We were there close to that time and got some pretty good spots, but it was quite a trick to keep three grandchildren (ages 3, 4, and 5) happy while we waited in the hot sun. It wasn't a picnic for the adults, either, for that matter.
FINALLY, the band began to play and the players began to make their way down the densely-lined path toward the stadium. The shakers were waving furiously, and the yells were loud and encouraging. But, someone behind me said, "Listen! The roar is heading this way!" Without any other explanation, we all knew that Cam Newton must be making his way through Tiger Walk. After a week and a half of very negative press releases about our star quarterback, HE was the one everyone wanted to see the most. After all, it was widely-believed that if he played, we had a good chance of winning, but without him, we'd be "toast." Sure enough, the roar got closer and closer and those who had waited the longest and had claimed the prime locations, got a chance to see and maybe even touch, our current Auburn Superstar.
But, something disturbing struck me as soon as my fellow Tiger Walker mentioned the roar. All I could think about was the similarity of what I was witnessing to what the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem must have been like.
In both cases, there was a crowd who lined the way, there was tremendous anticipation, the yelling was loud, and there was a Hero who had performed miracles witnessed by hundreds and thousands.
Granted, Cam has done some amazing feats on the football field this year, but his "miracles" are reduced to ashes when compared with those of Jesus. There ARE NO true comparisons between Cam Newton and Jesus, so the whole analogy crumbles from this point on. However, the atmosphere gave me a picture of what it must have felt like to be a part of the throng in Jerusalem on that day. Instead of waving my orange and blue shaker, I'd like to think that in my heart I wave palm branches and lay down my coat in humility as I encounter the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I fervently want my "Hosannas!" to be far louder than any "War Eagle" I've ever shouted.

"And they brought the colt to Jesus and put their garments on it; and He sat upon it. And many spread their garments in the road, and others spread leafy branches which they had cut from the fields. And those who went before, and those who followed after, were crying out, 'Hosanna! Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord; Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David; Hosanna in the highest!' And He entered Jerusalem . . . ." Mark 11:7-11a

Thinking about Cam Newton . . . and some regrets from my younger years

In case you don't live in the State of Alabama or in case you don't follow college football, my beloved Auburn University has been under a lot of scrutiny lately, and our star quarterback Cam Newton has been blasted with innuendos, criticism, rumors, accusations and attacks. At a time when Auburn's football team is headed into the final crescendo of what has been a surprisingly fantastic season, the timing of all this negative publicity has seemed "cruel and unusual," to say the very least. Most of the flack has been over events that may or may not have happened one, two or even three years ago. Since Cam is just now 21-years-old, then we're talking about actions and choices that MIGHT have happened when he was 18, 19, or 20.

I continue to believe good things about this young man, with the broad, winning smile and eye-popping athletic ability. Has he made some errors in judgment during his life to this point? Probably. Is he being required to live up to a higher standard than most college students have to attain? It seems so. Do I think he's 100% innocent on all counts? No. I'm sure that he has days and decisions in his life where he'd give anything for a "do-over." And, with this point, I feel some kinship to Cam and sympathize with the position he's in today.

Now, my brother and sister could probably give you a hefty list of mistakes they saw me make in my teenage years. My parents, friends and former teachers could add their fair share to the tally sheet, but I won't drag up all those deeds. First of all, you'd be more bored than entertained, and secondly, I'd be depressed for weeks. I do, however, have some regrets I'd be willing to share.



1) I wish I'd joined the band in high school. I can justify the choice by saying that I was busy practicing the piano, but, truthfully, I was in a high quality band environment (Richard Beasley at Charles Henderson High School and Johnny Long at Troy State University), and this would have enhanced my musical background a hundred-fold. You might be surprised to know that I wouldn't have chosen to play a flute or a clarinet. I would like to have been a percussionist. Oh, the choices in that section of the band!!!



2) I wish I had pushed myself more with my grades and with my music. Oh yeah. I made GOOD grades, and I did well at the piano, but I didn't strive hard enough to be the best.



3) I wish I had been kinder, especially to my parents and siblings. Again, I could blame my moodiness on teenage hormones, but often I just rebelled and refused to live the kind of Christian witness at home that I knew would have been God's will for my life.



Don't get me wrong. I wasn't a "bad kid." But, I just know I could have done a lot of things so much better. So, probably as Cam Newton has been doing this week, I can point to some regrets and wish I had made better choices along the way.



A key figure in the Bible who had some serious regrets to live with was Peter. After walking closely beside Jesus for three years and even being a part of His inner circle, he denied that he ever knew Jesus just hours after saying to Jesus: "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!" Matthew 26:35 The Bible goes on to say that immediately after the rooster crowed and Peter remembered his conversation with Jesus, he "went out and wept bitterly." Matthew 26:75b



The good news in the life of Peter is that Jesus forgave him, and he went on to become one of the most important leaders in the Early Church and was a key figure in the gospel being preached to the Gentiles (Acts 10 and 11).



The good news for me is that God chose to use me IN SPITE OF less-than-perfect choices. And, He continues to affirm His love for me and His desire to keep molding me. As long as I'm alive, I'll assume that He still has something He wants me to do for Him.



The good news for Cam Newton?? We'll have to wait awhile longer to find out the "rest of his story." Will he lead Auburn to a perfect season? Will he win the Heisman trophy? Will evidence prove him guilty or will the facts find him to be innocent? Will his Christian witness be damaged?



The great news for ALL of us who are children of God is that no matter what we may have done or not done, He is able to forgive us and make us clean and usable once again.



"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9



""There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." Romans 8:1

New Revelations from My Childhood

As I've mentioned before, Steve and I are once again on a search for the church through which God wants us to identify ourselves as members of the Body and to serve Him at this stage of our lives. This quest has brought two very different churches into our focus for consideration. One is very close to where we built our new house, and the other is the church of my early childhood.

Both have tremendous, "winning" qualities. One is in a rural setting but has a very modern and trendy approach in terms of worship style, outreach, terminology, and vision. The other is "downtown" and has a 190-year-old history and a rich tradition of excellence and solid faith in its preaching and teaching. The final choice will be made by Steve as the spiritual leader of our home, but I trust him to know my heart and to make a decision that will ultimately be best for both of us. (Ah, the joys of living with a godly man for 40 years).



It has been during our visits to my childhood church that I have fully and finally embraced some aspects of my early years that I undoubtedly knew on some level before but now get the amazing opportunity to savor at this juncture in my journey.



1) I had a great childhood.

And, 2) My salvation was personal and very real.



My parents. Oh my goodness. I could spend hours talking about their love for each other, for me and my siblings, for their extended family, and for their church. Growing up in the '50s, that was my world -- home, cousins/grandparents/aunts/uncles, and church (well, school came into play after I turned 6, but that's a subject for another day). But, what I've understood recently is the significant impact all of the people inside that church had on me. My parents had a strong support network in rearing me, and many of those people (or THEIR children) are still working and teaching and nurturing in that church.



The first Sunday that we attended Sunday School I walked into a ladies' class and introduced myself as Connie Collier Pearson. A voice behind me said, "No. Your name isn't Connie. It's Rose!" I couldn't believe my eyes or my ears. I turned to see the face of a lady who had been my Vacation Bible School teacher when I was about 7 years old. She remembered something that I had completely forgotten. My baby sister had just been born, and I must have needed some special attention that week. When I walked into my room on the first morning, they were busy making name tags, and since I was there every Sunday, I knew that they would quickly write "Connie." I said, "I want to be called Rose, please" (which was my middle name), and for that whole week, that was my name. And to make this even more remarkable, that is the ONLY time in my life that I've been called Rose. Ann Wallace Glaze remembered me and that incident for 53 years!!!

She is one of so many teachers I had during my first 10 years of life who invested their time and their faith into me, and I am so deeply grateful. Training Union, Sunbeams, children's choir, Vacation Bible School, Junior Memory drill -- I did it all, and there was a "great cloud of witnesses" surrounding me at every turn.

Even though I wasn't fully aware of it at the time, I know now what a valuable encouragement it was to me and to my parents. And even today, this realization is a powerful motivator for the rest of my life. I have a new prayer for my children as they are rearing our grandchildren. "Dear Lord, please provide a strong, wise, godly support network for them. Surround each child with loving examples of genuine faith, and place people in each of their lives who will notice and remember even the smallest details that reveal their needs and their heart. Allow this supporting cast to cheer them on in life's path."

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and for the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1



Then, just yesterday morning as we were leaving Sunday School and headed to the worship center, I noticed a doorway that looked familiar. We had a few minutes, so I asked Steve to follow me and allow me to explore a little. When we walked through the doorway, the first thing on my right was the entrance to the original church sanctuary, built in 1949. My parents stood in that entrance and were pronounced man and wife in June of 1949. The sanctuary wasn't quite completed yet, but they were determined to be "the first couple married in the new church," so by having their ceremony in that entrance, their names were included in the cornerstone -- a great source of pride for my Mom. :)

We went up the steps on the left, and I found myself in the sanctuary where I worshipped as a child. I had been there 25 years ago for my mother's funeral but was too consumed with grief to think of much else on that day. But, yesterday, I was bombarded with pictures of the past. I could "see" my granddaddy singing tenor in that choir loft. I could show Steve the second row pew where we sat many times, so we "could be close to the front when my Dad needed to make the Sunday School report." I could point to the place where the grand piano used to be. So many Sundays I watched spellbound while the pianist played (Martha Singleton) and wanted to play just like she did. But, the most sacred spot in the whole room was about 8 rows back on the left side. That was where the Holy Spirit drew me to Himself. I can vividly recall the "heart about to beat out of my chest" feelings that I had during the invitations for several Sundays in a row. At one point, I even crawled under the pew (literally!) trying to hide from whatever this powerful feeling was. I knew I needed to do something, and I knew that God was speaking directly to me. Finally, on an October Sunday morning in 1958, Brother Kermit Gore preached on heaven, and all the Bible lessons I'd had in my life came together. I comprehended that in order to go to heaven, Jesus had to be the Lord of my life. I didn't need anyone to walk with me. I left the pew, walked down the aisle, and with tears of relief, I told Brother Gore that I wanted to ask Jesus into my heart. The battle that had been going on during those weeks was finally over, and I think it is BECAUSE of that intense and physical struggle I experienced with the Holy Spirit that I have never doubted my salvation. I walked down that very aisle again yesterday and saw the same baptistry where I was baptized a week later and sobbed again as I shared my salvation story with Steve. It HAD been real, and it was extremely personal. And for the past 52 years it has made ALL the difference.



To the present members of First Baptist, Athens -- Your church had a profound impact on my life for which I will be eternally grateful.



To the parents of young children who might read this -- I can't stress to you enough how important the sights, sounds, and experiences of those early years are for your children. Please be sure that you are in a church that will surround you and "yours" with the truth of God's word and with godly role models. Also, never doubt that the Holy Spirit can work in the life of a very young child.



To those who are saved -- Share your salvation testimony with someone today. It will bless both you and the person who hears it.



To those who aren't saved -- "If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved." Romans 10:9

To Steve -- thank you for allowing and encouraging me during these past few weeks. This time to relive and remember has given me special insight and strength. I know you will make the best choice for us and our future.

Scripture Illustrations Everywhere I Look

One of the great joys and benefits of being the recipient of strong Bible teaching for 60 years is that examples of Scripture are EVERYWHERE. Whether I'm out in nature, interacting with friends, watching television, reading, cooking, cleaning, talking to Steve, or playing with grandchildren, a verse, phrase, or passage of Scripture is likely to pop into my mind, prompted, of course, by the Holy Spirit as a result of what is happening in my life at that moment. The key, to be sure, is being in the Word. Truths are not going to jump OFF the page unless I've been ON the page.


Between my upstairs study window and the river are trees of all shapes and sizes. They are especially noticeable now, in early November, as they turn vivid colors and shed their leaves. But, just a couple of months ago, they were vibrantly green, providing shelter for birds of an amazing variety. These aren't the kind that yield apples or pears, but they do drop lots of acorns and sweetgum balls. :) Today it is very windy, so leaves are coming off by the hundreds, and soon my view of the river will be virtually unobstructed with only the silhouettes of trunks and branches in sight.



The phrase that captured my thoughts today was from Psalm 1 verse 3. "He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season. . . "

Hmmmm. A tree planted by the rivers of water. Strong. Well-nourished. Fruitful. How is it that a MAN can be like that?? The preceding verses make it very clear. There are 3 things NOT to do and 1 very important thing to consistently do. 1) Don't walk in ways that godless people advise or suggest. 2) Don't stand along the paths where sinners stand. 3) Don't sit down (and spend time) with those who scorn (God). Instead, enjoy/delight in/love God's word and meditate on/study it every day. Simple. The result? Everything this man does will prosper and succeed. I like having a formula that works every time, don't you? Hallelujah! Praise God for the power, truth, and instruction in His Word.

Psalm 1

"Blessed (happy) is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither, and whatever he does shall prosper.

The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish."

FACEBOOK -- To Friend or Not to Friend

(My friend Talitha Culver and I reuniting after 40 years -- thanks to Facebook).
Through the wonders of Facebook, I had a very happy reunion last week with a dear friend I hadn't seen in over 40 years. We first met during junior high school days when we were in youth activities and choir groups at First Baptist, Huntsville. Then, we both ended up at Samford University. Even though our majors had us going in different directions, we connected loosely during those years, as well. Then our paths diverged. . . for a very long time. A few months ago, she spotted my name on a comment I made to a mutual friend's post, we "friended each other," and an opportunity to see each other again in person came to be.
We had a lively couple of hours getting caught up (while eating hushpuppies) and found that we probably have more in common now than ever before. Each with 3 children (2 girls and a boy), both of us have grandchildren we adore, we are staunch Auburn fans (she has even LIVED in Auburn for almost 20 years), we have wonderful husbands, and we care deeply about our Christian faith. Now, we're both looking forward to the next installment of this "friendship during our older-but-wiser years."
BUT, and this is a very BIG BUT, the very next night I was reading Facebook posts and typed a quick comment that was intended to be just light-hearted teasing to a young lady who is my daughter's age. That friend understood and took it the way it was meant, but HER friends, who "didn't know me from Adam's housecat" (as my mother used to say), took great offense to my comment and started typing some very scathing remarks using a lot of foul language. I was shocked!!! How could a social networking tool that had worked to bring about such a beautiful result the previous day turn into something so ugly just 24 hours later???
The lessons for me were painfully obvious. First of all, I must remember that words have tremendous power, both for good and for evil. Why, why, why do I have to KEEP learning that lesson? My typing fingers can edify or tear down, just as quickly as my spoken words are able to do.
Secondly, the "connection possibilities" with Facebook are endless. What I think is being read by just a few people might in fact be read by hundreds or even thousands. As a follower of Christ and, hopefully, an "imitator" of Him, I must put my thoughts and words through His filter. Will my comments and posts encourage, bring smiles, cause introspection, give insight or will they discourage, deflate, anger, hurt, or worst of all, damage the cause of Christ and the advancement of His Kingdom here on earth?
The term "friend" is used as a verb and a noun on Facebook, and more often than not, it refers to acquaintances rather than to true friends. Because, honestly speaking, it is highly unlikely that any person on earth has 300+ true friends. True, deep, abiding friendships are precious . . . and rare.
The Bible has a lot to say about true friendship. Here are some verses from Proverbs that I particularly like (this time from the English Contemporary Version):
"Just as iron sharpens iron, friends sharpen the minds of each other." Proverbs 27:17
"A truly good friend will openly correct you. You can trust a friend who corrects you, but kisses from an enemy are nothing but lies." Proverbs 27:5-6
"The sweet smell of incense can make you feel good, but true friendship is better still." Proverbs 27:9
"Making up with a friend you have offended is harder than breaking through a city wall. Make your words good -- you will be glad you did. Words can bring death or life! Talk too much, and you will eat everything you say." Proverbs 18:19-21.
"A man who has friends must himself be friendly." Proverbs 18:24a
So, I will continue to enjoy the vast benefits of Facebook, with renewed caution, and try to imagine Jesus sitting beside me at this computer molding my thoughts and urging me to type words of healing, humor, happiness, and, of course, witness on His behalf.
Okay. Who wants to be my friend? :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Our Firstborn Child

A collection of early memories in celebration of Laura's 37th birthday, November 1, 2010.

What a great firstborn child she was! Other than being 3 weeks early and a little jaundiced, she was perfect. Even through her first months, she did everything "according to the book" and was a total delight. The Lord was there so many nights when her nursery became a temple, and our time in the rocking chair was full of praise and worship. From the Broadman hymnal and the 1957 Baptist humnal, I sang to Laura every night before bedtime. I knew from memory at least the first verse and the chorus of hundreds of them. I probably would have known many more verses if I had been singing with the congregation rather than playing the piano so much of the time, but she didn't seem to mind my strung-together medleys or low alto pitch. I sang "Jesus Loves Me," "Praise Him, All You Little Children," "Amazing Grace," "Down at the Cross," "Showers of Blessing," "Blessed Assurance," "I Surrender All," "At the Cross," "God Bless America," the "Doxology," "Just As I Am," "Bringing in the Sheaves," "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing," To God Be the Glory" and probably at least the Top 100 Baptist favorites of the 50's, 60's, and 70's each week during those moments when I was quieting her down for the night. Since I had heard those songs from the beginning of my conscious memory, it was natural to extend the same upbringing to Laura. Amazingly, by the time she was about a year old, she was trying to sing along with me. She tried so hard, in fact, that she couldn't go to sleep as long as I was singing. So, I began to lay her down after 5 or 6 songs, and she would continue on her own until she had sung herself to sleep. What fun it was for Steve and me to stand outside her door and listen.

My parents wanted to host her 2nd birthday, so we have some wonderful pictures of Laura peering over my mother's dining room table to peek at her Raggedy Ann birthday cake. But, the sweetest memory of that night was of her standing in front of that roomful of adult guests singing, "At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away." It was pretty remarkable to hear a 2-year-old sing about "the burden of her heart," but to her, it had just become a part of her fiber. A few months later she was singing while visiting her Pearson grandparents, and Granddaddy Pearson had the good idea to get out his portable tape recorder. As a result, we have this precious tape of Laura, with a slightly runny nose, singing, "God Bwess Amerwica (sniff), Land that I love (sniff), Stand beside her (sniff) and guide her (sniff), through the night with a light from above (sniff). Was that wight, Granddaddy?"

Steve had the privilege of church-training our children, because, as I've mentioned before, I was usually at the piano bench. One day Laura, it seemed, had wiggled a tad too much during the morning service, and Steve felt it was necessary to give her a spanking when we got home. Mind you, my mild-mannered Steve was much too soft-hearted to inflict any real pain. For the children, it was always just the THOUGHT of a spanking from their Dad that was the real punishment. Anyway, Laura was such a compliant child we joked that "she never moved a muscle in church after that Sunday." Bless the hearts of firstborn children. Their parents have to learn so much at their expense. It's a wonder Laura grew up with a positive feeling about church, but it's NO wonder at all that as an adult she has chosen a more demonstrative style of worship in the churches she has attended. She evidently wants to move around a little more! :)

Laura started piano lessons at a very young age and quickly became very proficient. That talent allowed her many unique travel opportunities -- through the Hartselle High Performers, Celebrant Singers, and the Auburn Singers.

She loves adventure, especially if it involves visiting new places and seeing new things. Since 1998, her partner-in-adventure (and in life) has been her husband David. One of my cherished memories of David was from their rehearsal dinner, the night before the wedding. Many of the attendants made speeches about how smart and talented Laura was (is), but when his turn came, he just talked about how very beautiful she was. How special that was to all of us!

Laura and David have two wonderful children now, who both exhibit a love for music that is being instilled in them in their home. Just as my mother's voice was "the voice in my head," Laura says that often she finds herself saying and doing things she saw me do as she was growing up. In SPITE of that, she has become a lovely, competent, kind, insightful, and deeply-spiritual woman, and I love her with all my heart.

"Children are a heritage from the Lord." Psalm 127:3a