Exchange

Our Daily Bread
I am a computer guy by trade that specializes in a product called IBM Lotus Domino.  It is a multi-purpose type of software, however, it is known primarily as an email system.  The product is being smashed in the market place by the Microsoft product called Exchange.  The devotional today has nothing to do about this. I wanted to explain why it was so hard for me to title this entry "Exchange".  Yikes!  DOH!  hehehe

The devotional talks about two types of exchanges: currency exchange and exchanging our lives after our transformation through Christ.  The first is usually a quick transaction that lasts only a few minutes as money changes hands.  The second type can last a lifetime!  The transformation of our mind and heart is an amazing and terrifying thing!  hehehe  It was best described to me in Psalm 51 where the write asked  "create in me a pure heart."  A pure heart.  What does that look like?  Read the rest of that psalm for more info!

Lord, please create in ME a pure heart.  Renew a right spirit in ME.  Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, please have mercy on me a sinner...

Foodie Friday
I decided to re-post some of my favorite holiday weekend recipes for your cook outs and get togethers.  Enjoy!


Duane's Five Bean Casserole
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 pound andouille sausage, sliced and quartered
1/2 cups dried chopped onion
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup yellow mustard
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Tabasco sauce
1 (15 ounce) can butter beans
1 (15 ounce) can lima beans, drained
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans,
drained
1 (28 ounce) can baked beans

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). (or get out a large crock pot).
2. Slice sausage and then cut the slices into quarters.
3. Combine the sausage, dried onions, brown sugar, tabasco, mustard, garlic powder, salt, vinegar and beans in a large bowl.
4. Either pour into a four quart baking dish and bake covered for 1 1/2 hours. Uncover and bake 30 to 45 minutes longer.  OR  cook them on high for about 3.5 hours in a crock pot.  They stay juicer that way and are easier to reheat.

Here is the link to the original recipe if you want it:


TWICE BAKED POTATO SALAD 
INGREDIENTS
5 lb. bag of red potatoes
1 lb. pack of maple flavored bacon (fried)
1/2 bag of shredded cheddar cheese
heaping serving spoon of mayonaise
Ranch dressingto desired consistency
Optional:  1/2 Cup Sour cream and/or some chives

DIRECTIONS
1. Wash  and cut potatoes in bite sized cubes. Boil the potatoes until they are
soft. Drain and put in large bowl to mix the rest of the ingredients. Chill them before mixing.
2. While the potatoes are boiling, fry the bacon slices, let cool then cut  up in little pieces.
3. After potatoes and bacon are cool, add the shredded  cheese, mayonaise, and Ranch dressing. Stir until completed coated.
4.  Serve chilled or warm in a casserole dish for hot version.  Add dollops of the sour cream on top to garnish.  You can also garnish with chives.

NOTE: this makes a huge batch.  You may want to cut it half.  Also, I didn't add salt because of the bacon.  You can add salt and pepper to taste.


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Let go, my friends!  God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!