Tag: priorities

Committed Love

Published on by Kim

 

But Ruth said:
“Entreat me not to leave you,
Or to turn back from following after you;
For wherever you go, I will go;
And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;
Your people shall be my people,
And your God, my God.
Where you die, I will die,
And there will I be buried.
The Lord do so to me, and more also,
If anything but death parts you and me.”

These words are a beautiful expression of the committed love Ruth showed Naomi, a reflective flicker of the incredible covenantal love of God for His people.

In our premarital counseling, our pastor reminded us that sometimes marriage will require love that will stay in the car and ride even into the ditch. You can see the danger ahead and calmly share your concern, but sometimes the decision is still to continue. You then buckle up and ride out the crash (and pay the repair bill and allow the bruises to heal) together. Note: this is not referring to life-or-death or sin situations.

Yes, commitment is that committed. Committed love goes all the way to the end. The idea is beautiful and we love being loved that way, but how often are we committed?

How often will we go out to eat IF we like the restaurant? If it’s not a menu we like, it doesn’t matter with whom we are eating (never mind Proverbs 15:17).

How much have we been willing to be friends AS LONG as we share interests and think alike? It’s more efficient and comfortable. No need to stretch (Proverbs 27:17).

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, I’ll love AS LONG as they love me? Fair is fair, and I have my rights.

I have fallen in all these traps. That’s not love; it’s an even exchange of goods.

“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you.” — John 15:12-14

We often think of the Ruth passage related to weddings. I find it interesting that neither of these Scriptures are referring to marriage. Ruth loved her mother-in-law. Christ commanded His disciples, and by extension the church.

Who are we loving today?

sanddunes-2

 

A Simple Meal

Published on by Kim

As promised, I’ve pulled together an explanation of what I would prepare for a meal on a day where I need something super simple but good. It requires a few minutes 2 hours before dinner and 1 hour before dinner, and maybe 10 minutes at dinner to serve, but it works well when I’m around the house (even in-and-out) but busy with other things. I generally keep everything needed on hand except the sweet potatoes.

Entree

This is a family favorite from when I was a teenager and now a favorite in our home. You need chicken or pork chops, oil and seasoned breadcrumbs.

  • Take chicken pieces (boned or boneless) or pork chops, as many as you need and a baking dish as large as you need to fit (or multiple, if that works better).
  • Coat the bottom of the dish with oil — not deep, but covered completely.
  • Lightly sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs on top of the oil
  • Place meat in pan.
  • Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of meat to coat.
  • Cover with foil.
  • Place in oven at 325 for 1.5-2 hours (depending on how much meat you are baking). When the bread crumbs on the edges of the pan are crispy brown, your meat is done.

Sides

Baked sweet potatoes & steamed vegetables

Coat the sweet potatoes with oil — pour a teaspoon on your hand and rub it in to the potato. Place on a cookie sheet and into the oven 45 minutes to an hour before dinner (longer if your oven is full, less if just 3 potatoes). Serve with butter and brown sugar and/or cinnamon.

Pull a steamer bag of vegetables out of the freezer before dinner and prepare in the microwave according to directions. Season and serve.

Enjoy!

My hope is that you enjoy this as is or adjust as needed to your preferences. Either way, remember to keep your eye on your priorities and take advantage of simple meals when you need to.