We don't always understand

Our Daily Bread
Whether it is animals or people, especially children, there is more fear than normal if you have been abused or hurt. Usually only someone who has also experienced that same pain or abuse can understand and empathize.

It is my understanding that is why God sent his Son Jesus into the world.  While I fully believe that God didn't need to do this to understand us better, I believe He did this so that we could better understand Him!  What an amazing God!  He keeps reaching out to us over and over.  We sometimes reach back.  Many times not.  Let us make an effort to reach out to him today (and tomorrow and the day after that, etc).

Lord, we know why you sent your Son -- so we can better understand your love for us!

Foodie Friday
I was asked to make a batch of hummus for our church retreat this weekend.  Here is the recipe I used for this batch.  I use a food processor because I like mine very creamy.  The recipe doesn't tell you to save the liquid fromthe garbaanzo beans.  Put it aside and use it add more liquid to the mix to make it creamier!  If you don't keep tahini around the house, you can make your own by buying a small bag of sesame seeds and pulverizing them in the food processor with a little olive oil.

Spicy Three Pepper Hummus [url]
INGREDIENTS:
2 (16 ounce) cans garbanzo beans, drained
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/8 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons tahini
8 cloves garlic, minced
2 slices jarred jalapeno pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon liquid from the jar of jalapeno peppers
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano

DIRECTIONS:
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the garbanzo beans, olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, jalapeno, and juice from the jalapeno jar. Season with black pepper, cayenne, cumin and oregano.
2. Mix using the whisk attachment on low speed until the ingredients start to blend, then turn the speed to medium, and blend to your desired consistency. Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to blend. Make sure your container is sealed well, or your fridge will smell like garlic!

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You cannot say you've forgiven someone if in your heart you hope they are still suffering. Howerton