just gotta trust the system

Last night I waited and watched with trepidation the verdict concerning Ferguson, MO.  I knew the revelation would not be acceptable by either camp.  The plain fact is lives were changed forever that fateful night.  The Brown family lost a loved one to violence.  The Wilson family had their lives changed forever due to violence.  Before hearing the facts, the world had made up its mind.  Yes, Brown was shot down dead in cold blood; No, Wilson acted in self-defense.  I will not form an opinion.  I have not read the evidence like the Grand Jury did.  I have not heard eye- witness testimony. I have not seen the autopsy reports.  I will admit that statistics show there are more persons of color inhabiting our penal system.  I will admit that there is still in the 21st century much racial tension and discrimination.  We need to fix that.  We need to find solutions and use our minds and our voices and not our weapons and strength.  Children are STILL being bullied-- to the point of death.  The saying "Why can't we just all get along" is a riddle rather than a statement.  Why can't we all get along?  We need to fix that.

For now I will grieve with the families of Michael Brown and Darren Wilson.  In the blink of an eye, their lives will never be the same and unlike maybe you or I, the whole world is watching them.

Gracious God, why do you love us so?  We are flawed people.  We have misused and abused the precious gifts you have given us.  We would rather fight and bully one another rather than sit at table at talk about what divides us.  We would prefer to use our great wealth on ourselves instead of being the solution to hunger and poverty.  Forgive us, LORD.  In your loving kindness show us the way this Advent season as we wait for the one true perfect example, Christ Jesus.
   Comfort the families and friends affected by violence.  May we strive to end hunger and poverty in our midst and in the world.  Help us to realize Heaven on Earth and seek it daily as we fight for peace, justice, and reconciliation.  Amen (May it be so).

It's a paradox

It's a paradox- plain and simple.  I can explain the name of the blog in simple terms: it's a paradox!  I tried going against the grain by not eating grains.  I try daily to going against the grain when my heart and head tell me to do one thing and I resolved NOT to do that one thing but do it anyway!  It's absurd; I know this.  So today I am sharing a delicious bread recipe I doctored (I will give you the original one too).  YES!!! It's a grain recipe!!!! I HAD to try it before I gave it away.  All I can say is YUM!!!  I was looking for a nice gift to share at my Thanksgiving table and I have it.

So here goes.  Sorry to those of you success stories who have given up bread.  I'm not one of them right now.  I will admit to going against the grain on this simply because I didn't have or couldn't find the exact ingredients....thus going against the grain with my substitutes.  That counts, doesn't it?

The whole house smells divine!

Orange Spice Loaves
 
My recipe:

2 packages (7 oz each) Apple Cinnamon Muffin Mix
1/2 cup golden raisins
2 eggs
1/2 cup orange juice concentrate, thawed
1/2 cup sweet orange marmalade, divided + a little more
4 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup whole milk
1 heaping teaspoon ground allspice

In case you want to see the actual items I used.  I do not receive any compensation from these companies...just saying.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine muffin mix and raisins.  Add eggs, orange juice concentrate, 6 Tbsp orange marmalade, oil, milk and allspice; stir until well-blended.  Line mini muffin tins with muffin liners or grease and flour.  Bake 20 minutes or until a toothpick (or knife- I couldn't find any toothpicks!) inserted in center comes out clean.  (After the 20 min. baking time, I also pressed gently to make sure the loaf bounced back and my finger did not sink into a hot gooey mess.)  Remove loaves from pan and place on wire rack.  Spread remaining orange marmalade (I scooped more out of the jar...I mean why be chinchy?) evenly over tops of hot loaves.  Cool completely. Store in an airtight container.  Made 9 mini loaves

The original recipe calls for:
2 packages (7 oz each) bran muffin mix
1/2 cup raisins
2 eggs
1/2 cup orange juice concentrate, thawed
1/2 cup orange marmalade, divided
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup milk
2 teaspoons ground allspice

The original said to grease and flour 4 loaf pans measuring 3 1/4 x 5 3/4-inch. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.  It yields 4 mini loaves. 

Did I mention how wonderful smelling the house is today?  I might have to hurry and bag those babies.  

Until my next paradoxical post, have a good day, Grainiacs!

For all the saints

Last night the ghouls and ghosts and walking dead came out to play.  Our Trunk or Treat was a huge success.  We more than doubled cars AND two neighbors from across the street decorated their cars and joined in the fun (even if they did stay across the street!).  Last year about 30 kids came; this year over 150 children stopped by to say "Trick or Treat" and "thank you."  Several of our cars just had the candy out in their trunk and told the kids to get some.  Every time I looked the children took one piece of candy.  I was so impressed with them.  I thought for sure some would sweep the whole thing into their bags!  Of course I did hear the others' horror stories, but our trick or treaters were sweet little kids.

A Walker!!!!

Cosmos will NOT be left out!!!

note to self: don't dye your hair black!

I want to thank all the saints who have helped mold me into the person I am.  No!  I'm not blaming you!!!!