In the Garden

“Mom, come and look!” my 3 year old daughter calls out from her room. “It is very nice, honey”, I reply not knowing what she wants. “Things are crazy here; I don’t have time for that.” I mumbled under my breath.

My sink is full of dishes from this morning and I have to get supper ready in about an hour. The trash can has been sending me a warning of needing to go outside. It is threatening to stink up the whole house if I don’t comply. Every time when I walk by my bedroom, the overflowing laundry basket just stares at me as if asking me “when are you going to clean me up? Your husband is going to ask you for clean socks again pretty soon!” It irritates me when I faithfully make up a shopping list only to leave it at home when I go to the grocery store. “I will get to the dirty clothes when I finally have the detergent or Santa will have to delivery his present early”, I grouch. Yes, I need to finish my sewing project in time for grandma’s 90th birthday this weekend. I cannot wait to put my sewing machine away so that we can claim back our dining table. The machine has been sitting there for months and I should start charging rent. Picnic everyday is not as fun as people think!

“Now, what?”, I scream when I heard the baby cry.

Although this happened many years ago, our challenges remain today. Being a daughter of the King of the Universe and to our earthly parents, we have great responsibilities and accountability. How can I live up to God’s standard? I do feel overwhelmed at times & I don’t know what to do.

My Savior always reminds me of his words: “be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10. He would gently take my hand and lead me to his garden. We walk through the meadow together; enjoy looking at his wonderful creations. The air is filled with refreshing aromas from different plants and the whole place is covered with pleasing colors. I enjoy the sounds of the bubbling brook that runs through the garden, accompanied by the feather choir. What a magnificent orchestra!

With a loving voice my savior calls my name trying to get my attention. “Miranda, take my peace” says the Lord, “the peace that I give you is not the same as the world gives nor can money provide.” He does not promise me a rose garden but he gives me the assurance of all things because he has overcome the world. He shows me his pierced hands and tells me how much he loves me. I should not have doubt of his love; he gave up his life for me and my loved ones as well. I need not worry about their salvation but faithfully do my duties, and he will take care of the rest. He leaves me his words “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matt 11: 28-30.

I do not want to leave the garden but stay there with him forever. However, Jesus encourages me to go on a little longer, for he is coming soon to take all his children with him. He invites me to come back to the garden as often as I wish and drink from his fountain of living water.

Do you have the garden experience with Jesus? It is important to take time with him so that our strength will be renewed & our hearts will be encouraged. “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” Isaiah 40: 29-31

By Miranda Cerovski
Miranda is pictured with her husband Ed.

Women in Ministry at FWESDA

We are so proud of Marie Macri and Miranda Cerovski that were ordained as elders to serve in the Far West End SDA church. They are both women of great spirituality and will be a rock for us all as they minister in this capacity.

We are also blest to have Myriam Gutierrez as a deaconess in our church. Her warm and joyous spirit is a great example of the joy we can find in serving God and others.

Ladies, here are some pictures of your dedication taken by Carla Gutierrez.

Recipe Challenge - Rice with Coconut and Milk

This recipe was submitted by Myriam Gutierrez and I know many of you have been waiting for this recipe because it is absolutely delicious!

Ingredients:
½ Cup of Rice
1 Condensed milk (can)
2 Cinnamon Sticks
2 Cups of coconut (bag of shredded coconut)
Milk
Water
Pinch of salt

Directions:
1. Cook the rice with enough water to cover the rice over one inch.
2. Add the cinnamon sticks and a pinch of salt (just what you can grab with the tip of your fingers).
3. Cook the rice and add more water (if needed) until rice is soft, aprox 30 – 45 minutes. If needed add more water to obtain the desired consistency.
4. In the meantime, blend milk (liquid) with coconut (not too much, just to blend both ingredients together).
5. Add this blend to the rice and keep stirring, if rice gets too thick add more milk and cook it on low, stirring constantly.
6. Lastly, add the condensed milk and cook for a little bit just to get the sweet flavor on the rice.

If it gets too thick add milk (liquid).
Rice should be soft and sticky, not too dry.

Welcome Baby!

When it was confirmed that our baby was coming, as first time parents we had mixed emotions and excitement. Yes it was a baby boy, and then all the preparation followed like prenatal visits and preparing for baby stuffs. It was not easy but exciting.

At last Baby Jeid came, an additional member of the family. He was not aware that we needed to adjust our priorities to make him a part in our circle. We has sleepless nights when he cries for milk or needs a diaper change. Sometimes it’s frustrating but rewarding. But when he begins to smile and communicate in baby talks,fatigues are gone!

It is the love of a baby that is much welcomed that makes the difference.

How do we love the spiritual babies that are born in the church? Often times they come to the church helpless and in need of much attention as a new member. Sad to say that at times we treat them as adults for which they are not yet ready. We serve solid food while they need milk yet. We leave them alone to walk while they still need a spiritual stroller and walker, and if not attended they will stumble and fall.

Like Jten and I welcomed baby Jeid with tight embraces, and taking time for bonding & nurturing,in like manner we need to care for those spiritual babes that will come to our church.

By Daryl May Huilar
Daryl is pictured with her new baby boy Jeid, and her husband Jten.

Recipe Challenge - Patacones or Tostones

Plantains are abundant in Costa Rica. We grew them in my grandpa's farm when I was a kid. I remember that my dad would come home with a trunk load of plantains each week, and my brother and I would help him sell them to people at the Adventist University. We had regular clients that would put in their orders ahead of time because they knew we were coming on Sunday afternoons.

One of the most popular dishes to make with green plantains is Tostones, or what I call Patacones. Since the plantains are fried TWICE, it is not the healthiest recipe on earth, but it is so good it is worth the extra calories. You can serve it with rice and black beans, or with scrambled eggs or tofu. I made it this week as part of the cooking challenge.

Ingredients
2 green plantains, peeled and cut in 1 inch slices
salt to taste
vegetable oil for frying

Directions

1. Peel the plantains and cut them in 1 inch slices, like you would slice a banana.
2. Heat up your oil on a frying pan. Fry the sliced plantains until they are golden (not too dark).
3. Take out the fried slices from the pan and place on a flat surface (countertop or cutting board).


4. Use the bottom of a mug, or a small plate to smash the slices flat.
5. Sprinkle flats with salt and return to the frying pan.
6. Fry the plantains till they are golden brown. Make sure to flip on both sides.




7. Let cool for a couple minutes before eating. They are usually not as good it they get too cold, so eat them right away.

By Shari Osborn

Cooking Challenge

There have not been any Recipes of the Week lately because I am about to issue a challenge to all you ladies from FWESDA (and any other ladies that care to join the challenge).

I love eating good food, but I find that by the time I get home from work I just want to crash in front of the TV or with a book, so I end up eating a sandwich or something quick for dinner.

Many of you probably feel the same way. So, here is the challenge ladies. For the next four weeks I pledge to make a delicious dinner at least one night per week, take a picture and copy down the recipe, and share it with you. But, you must promise to try and share your recipes as well. Let's see how many of us can keep it up. Send me your recipes and pictures and I will post them on the site.

As recipes come in I will assign them a number. At the end of October I will randomly pick a number and one of you will win a prize! I will let you know what the prize is later. For now, let's cook!!!

Remember to email me a picture along with your recipes.

Give Thanks To God

I am very thankful to God for so many blessings He has given me, especially for giving me another year of life.I can see how every day he answers our prayers.

I remember when we came for the first time to the Far West End Church, the love received from every person was so great it made me feel welcome right away.That same night I gave thanks to the Lord for having sent us to that church, for letting us find it because I know He drove us there.

Today, I keep thanking God for all his blessings and for all the brothers and sisters we have so we all can keep radiating that same Christian Love.

Another motive to be thankful was that last year, on October 21st 2008, on Carla's birthday, right before going to bed, she told me that she had decided to go back to church regularly. I felt so much happiness in my heart and could see how God had answered my prayers.

Now, when I see my children and grandchildren going to church, all I can think of is to give thanks to God for all he has given me and for being part of what I call "The Church of Love", which is how I refer to this -My Church- when I talk about it with friends and family.

I pray that God gives me many more years to come to the Church of Love and to give me energy to keep serving Him and worshipping with my, now family, the Far West End Seventh Day Adventist Church.

God Bless.......

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Psalm 118:1-3

By Myriam Gutierrez