Friday, May 10, 2013

May 10 – Patience

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. ... Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:2-4, 12 

Patience is that virtue that shows tolerance and acceptance of others and of difficult situations without making demands and conditions. Years ago when my children were small—like beginning elementary school—I had a very trying time and prayed with a friend for patience. She told me that to pray for patience is to ask for trials. Ugh! I didn’t know that—but it made sense. I stopped praying for patience and asked God to give me grace to understand my children and the anger I was feeling. Sure enough, God helped me with my anger…and my children were not harmed by this out of control mom. Prayer is a powerful tool—and God’s answer was timely. 

Training Tip – One of the hardest things to do is to thank God for the trials in our lives. Can you do that? Honestly take stock in your own attitude and actions during times of stress. Are you a good example to your children of patience during the rough times? Ask God to help you to be a good example for your kids—then trust Him to help you—even if it is patience with them. 

Lord God, I again ask you today for a healing touch for my granddaughter, Amelia—as she undergoes eye surgery. You have taught us that we have not because we ask not…so I’m asking. Jesus, You also said that we should Ask…and we will receive, knock and the door will be opened for us. Give her doctor wisdom and guide his hands as he does the surgery. Give her parents your peace and strength—and I thank you for Your spiritual guidance in their lives—In Jesus’ precious name.

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table
Pizza  - One of our family’s favorite Friday night meals has been pizza for years!  My three year old granddaughter offered this “recipe” for pizza – go to a restaurant and they’ll make whatever you want. Cheese is her favorite. We recently had a great thin crust combination pizza with ham, pulled pork, honey mustard, and pickles. Yes, sliced dill pickles. Yummy! 

Another favorite we love is a thin crust chicken pesto pizza made by Esterno’s Wood Fired Pizza in Richland, WA. It has a great pesto sauce, chicken, fresh mozzarella, Applewood bacon, marinated artichoke hearts, red onion, and roasted red peppers. Yum!

Friday night pizza with family and friends is a special time. So make up some pizza crust and go creative with your toppings. Get everyone involved. Kids love to top their own small personal pizzas. 

Homemade Pizza
Crust
1 Tbsp. active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (105-115 degrees F/40-46 degrees C)
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
2 1/2 cups flour
 

Dissolve the yeast in the water. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix. For creative taste add chopped fresh or dried herbs or roasted garlic. Place dough a floured surface and knead for about five minutes.

Roll out and press down onto a greased pizza pan or prepare on a wooden paddle to transfer to a pizza stone. Add toppings. Heat pizza stone, sprinkle with cornmeal and transfer pizza to hot stone.
 
Suggested toppings:
Sauce: olive oil, pesto, ranch sauce, red tomato sauce, salsa, barbecue sauce
Meat: diced cooked chicken, Italian sausage, ground beef, pepperoni, turkey, Canadian bacon, bacon, pulled pork
Vegetables/fruit/herbs: artichoke hearts, spinach, basil, mushrooms, onions, roasted garlic, pineapple, pickles, roasted peppers, black olives, fresh tomatoes  
Cheeses: fresh mozzarella, smoked Gouda or smoked mozzarella, fresh grated parmesan, cheddar, ricotta.

Bake at 450 degrees F. for around 12-15 minutes until the crust looks crispy and lightly browned.

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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