Butternut Squash with Onions and Pecans

I love squash. It's one of my favorite aspects of fall cuisine. Hope you enjoy this recipe.

Ingredients

* 1 cup chopped pecans
* 3 tablespoons butter
* 1 large onion, finely chopped
* 2 1/4 pounds butternut squash - peeled, seeded, and cubed
* salt and pepper to taste
* 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions
1. Place pecans on an ungreased baking sheet. Toast at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 5 to 8 minutes.
2. Melt butter in a large, heavy skillet over low heat; add onion, and saute until very tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in squash, and cover. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until squash is tender but still holds its shape, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Stir in half the pecans and half the parsley. Transfer mixture to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with remaining pecans and parsley to serve.

Lessons from Romans 8:28

I have been hearing a lot about Romans 8:28 lately: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. I think sometimes we get too caught up in the bad part of what can happen in our lives, instead of lifting our hearts up to God to thank Him for what we have.

There are many stories about this verse, but I was looking within myself, just because I wanted this verse to be a reality in my life, and sure enough! There are so many “Romans 8:28” moments in my life I wouldn’t be able to type them all here.

Looking back, one of the first moments in my life that I experienced this (and I didn’t know it) was when I was 18 yrs-old. A friend from childhood, who was the same age as me, just turned 18 and his dad had given him a car. As he was driving back home with a couple friends from school, from their “weekend farm”, to the city where they lived, his brakes didn’t work and his car ended up underneath the back of the truck in front of him. He died instantly and the other 2 young guys were taken to the Hospital and survived the crash. My friend was the only one that died in that car accident, 18 yrs ago, and I thought it was unfair that this guy, with a bright future ahead of him, was taken away from us just in a split second.

When I went to his funeral, I couldn’t even talk; but when I saw his mom, she had this calm around her and I didn’t know why. I wasn’t a Mom then, but I couldn’t imagine how losing a son wasn’t something to destroy the world around you. In the midst of all the chaos, someone was talking to my friend’s mom and she told that person that before that accident, her son had just told her that he was so happy because he was back in the church and enjoying again God’s blessings.

That group of kids were all born as Seventh Day Adventist and we were raised going to the Academy as well, but apparently he was trying “other paths”, just away from the church. She prayed, after their conversation and told God to please keep him in His path, and do anything to, pretty much, make him stay in the church. So, she knew, this was the time when her son was following God with all his heart, and that she knew God was taking care of him. She knew Romans 8:28!!!!!

Now, as an adult, going thru a lot of things, I got to a point where I asked God: “Why am I going through all of this?” I know I made wrong choices, but I didn’t think I deserved certain things… oh well, see, all of that gave me so much hope, all the bad things I went through helped built my character and my passion and love for God even more! If things had not happened the way they did, I don’t think I would’ve looked to come back to my church, and enjoy it as much as I do now… All of that besides having two beautiful children that are my pride and joy (but of course, you know that).

At the end, it comes to my mind what my co-worker just told me about 1 hr ago: “A life without God, is like an unsharpened pencil: there is no point to it”

By Carla Gutierrez

Peanut Butter and Greens Soup Recipe

This soup is inspired by African recipes. It is a vegan recipe that should help keep you warm this fall and winter. Hope you enjoy it.

Ingredients:

* 1 onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
* 6 cups vegetable broth
* 2 tomatoes, diced
* 1 bunch collard greens, cut or torn into strips or small pieces
* 1/3 tsp cumin
* dash cayenne pepper (optional)
* 1/3 tsp salt
* 1 cup peanut butter
* 2 tbsp lemon or lime juice

Preparation:
Sautee the onion and garlic in olive oil for about 3 minutes, or until onions start to turn clear and soft.

Add broth, tomatoes, collards, cumin, cayenne and salt and allow to cook for about 15 minutes.

Carefully add the peanut putter, and stir well to combine. Allow to cook until the peanut butter is melted and incorporated.

Another Birthday

This year I turned 29 years old. So many changes are happening in my life in this one year that it is a bit overwhelming.

The first big change is that this is my final year in my 20s. I have no idea what the 30s are like, but I have heard good things. Still, it is new and kinda scary to move into that new realm of "adulthood". See, when you tell people you are in your 20s they let a lot of your mistakes pass by because you are still "a child". But when you hit the 30s, people start expecting more of you and it becomes harder to plead ignorance.

Of course, the biggest and most challenging change coming my way this year is the arrival of a new member to the family. If all goes well, in February Trevan and I will be welcoming a son to our little family. We celebrated our sixth year of marriage this year, which means that for six years it has been just the two of us. We are very happy and comfortable with our lives, but we are looking forward to the new adventures that a little one will add to our future years together.

Although I am intimidated by the changes ahead, birthdays usually call me back to reflection on years past. It is always comforting to see the way in which God has led me to where I am today. With God's help I have gotten through a move from Costa Rica to the USA, through college and grad school, into a wonderful marriage, and to my 29th year!

While I still have many fears and concerns about the future, I have the safest of shelters in the arms of God.

By Shari Osborn