Kindness is a virtue that is characterized by good and
charitable behavior with a pleasant disposition and concern for others. The act
of kindness shows a loving attitude towards others. It is beneficial to both
the one giving and the one receiving the kindness and results in contentment
and relaxation.
Rate yourself. How kind are you to others…in your home, your
family, your circle of friends, your neighborhood, your church, and your
community? What kind actions do you appreciate that others have shown towards
you and your family? God expects, actually requires, us to love kindness. Are
we doing that?
I have always appreciated the sweet smiles of several people
at the church that I attend—no matter what they always have a kind word of
greeting and a pleasant attitude towards everyone that attends, but one lady in
particular has become a special friend. We share encouraging scripture, pray
frequently for each others’ families and meet a couple of times a year for tea
or lunch. Our kindness to each other has bonded us as friends. When I noted
that she came to church without her husband I invited her to the Sunday School
class that I led, for women worshipping alone. She has become such an integral
part of that class, encouraging others. Humbly she reminds me at least once a
year that I invited her to that group. I am grateful for her for the
encouragement she has given me with my writing and the heartfelt prayers that
she regularly lifts up for my grandchildren. The Lord has inspired her to lead
a prayer ministry for our church that has been dynamic. Prayer is powerful. And
prayer with kindness is truly significant. What
is desirable in a man (or woman) is
his kindness…. Proverbs 19:22.
Kindness is one of the traits of Jesus that we most want to emulate. Train up
your children in kindness.
Training Tip – Kindness begins with good manners, so start by
discussing good manners. Saying “please,” “thank you,” “I’m sorry” and “you’re
welcome” are the cornerstones to good manners. You must be a good example and
hold your children accountable to proper manners.
Lord – Thank you for Your kindness and for being
such a good example to us. Inspire us with ways that we can serve others with
Your kindness.
Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table
Dessert to
finish off the Greek Menu from the January Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table
Quick and Easy
Baklava (for the lactose intolerant)
1
Tablespoon ground cinnamon
1
(8 ounce) package phyllo dough
½
cup coconut oil, melted
3/4
cup white sugar
3/4
cup water
3/4
cup honey
1
teaspoon vanilla extract
1
teaspoon grated lemon zest
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Brush a 9x13 inch baking pan with coconut oil.
Chop the nuts in a
food processor, or chop otherwise finely. Be careful not to grind the nuts into
nut butter if using a food processor. Mix the cinnamon into the ground nuts.
Unroll phyllo dough and cut whole stack in half to fit the dish. Cover phyllo
with a damp (not wet) cloth while assembling the baklava, to keep it from
drying out—that is very important.
Place two sheets of
phyllo in the bottom of the baking pan. Brush generously with the coconut oil.
Sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons of the nut mixture on top. Repeat layers until all
ingredients are used, ending with about 6 sheets of phyllo. Brush each two
layers of phyllo with the coconut oil. Using a sharp knife, cut baklava (all
the way through to the bottom of the pan) into four long rows, then (nine
times) diagonally to make 36 diamond shapes. A serrated knife works well. Trim the edges of
the dough so that it fits nicely in the pan. Any layer that is not tucked in or
trimmed may burn as it bakes.
Bake in preheated
oven about 40 minutes, until golden and crisp. While baklava is baking, combine
sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Stir
in honey, vanilla and lemon zest, reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. Remove the
baklava from the oven and immediately spoon the syrup over it. Let cool
completely before serving. Store uncovered. Enjoy!
Fill extra phyllo dough with cooked onion, spinach, and feta cheese, seasoned with a little nutmeg and dill to create little Spanakopita. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-30 minutes depending on the size. Other possibilities are cutting the phyllo dough in little squaares and putting in muffin tins, filling with sliced apples and cinnamon. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes.
All
scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise
noted.
© 2013 by Mickey
M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
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