Comfort...

Yesterday we looked at a reason that God allows suffering in our lives - to strengthen our faith.  The second reason God allows us to suffer is so He can use us to comfort others.  Have you ever tried to encourage someone who is going through a difficulty you've never experienced?  It's hard to know what to do or say.  But, it's a whole different ballgame when you have been through a trial and you meet someone who is going through something similar.  You have a pretty good idea what their struggles may be and how they feel about it.  And you definitely have a better idea what to do or say to encourage them. 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.     2 Corinthians 1:3-5

I have learned that having a chronic illness is not a prison sentence.  It does not mean I must spend the rest of my life feeling depressed and angry, locked away from the world inside my little sick box.  It does not mean that I am useless and no longer have any gifts to share, but it may mean that I must develop some new ones.                            Joy H. Selak - author of You Don't Look Sick!

Tim Hansel wrote - He finally healed me of the need to be healed...I had discovered a peace inside the pain.  I finally came to the realization that if the Lord could use this body better the way it is, then that's the way it should be.

Though the fig tree should not blossom, and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail, and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold, and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.  The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds' feet, and makes me walk on my high places.  Habakkuk 3:17-19

The secret is learning to trust God and letting Him change how we think so He can use us to help other people along the way.  Let God comfort you...so He can use you.  Tomorrow we will look at the most important and controversial reason God allows suffering.  Hmmm...

Decorating

Sometimes, making an inexpensive change can have a big impact.  The hutch in my kitchen is painted white with glossy stained wood horizontal surfaces.  There are colorful items on the shelves, but it needed some pizazz.  I was reading a magazine at Barnes & Noble (free entertainment!) and saw a hutch that had fabric at the back of the shelves.  Great idea, but I didn't want to spend that much money.  So, I found some pretty wrapping paper, cut it to fit and used double-sided tape to attach it to the back of each shelf.  I like it!  And, when I get tired of it or it fades or gets torn, I can simply change it out for another wrapping paper to update the hutch. 

Today's Recipe - Hearty Black and White Bean Soup
125 Best Vegan Recipes

1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, inced
2 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
2 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
4 cups vegetable stock (broth)
1 can diced tomatoes, with juices
2 cans each (14-19 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14-19 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 1/2 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tbsp dried basil leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat for 30 seconds.  Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until softened.  Add carrots and celery and cook, stirring, for 3 mintues.
Stir in vegetable stock and tomatoes and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender.  Makes 6-8 servings

Variation:  For a more filling meal, place 1/2 cup hot cooked pasta or rice into each soup bowl.  Pour 1 cup of the soup over the pasta or rice and serve.