GOD USES BROKEN EGGS

~serving up joy~
DEB REHDER & SUNNY ROWE

It's been a few days since we have visited with you; such a busy summer. (Please say you understand!) It is so easy to overlook, to forget things, even when they are important to you.

Which brings me to today's special herb: Rosemary.

In times gone by, Rosemary was an herb used to send a message to someone special, so that person would never be forgotten. In our busy hustld-bustle world today, we pay little attention to these sweet gestures of bygone eras, but I really think they are very charming. I know I still love getting home made goodies, tied up with string, with sprigs of flowers and herbs placed on the top. 

So today I have hunted down a very Victorian recipe, Rosemary Herb Shortbread Cookies. I am so excited to bring some of the old charm into our lives, and you can wrap these into little gifts, with a fresh sprig of Rosemary on top. Tuck a little note in, too to let them know they are at their very best in about two days. How could anyone forget such lovely thoughtfulness? After all, they are all about Rosemary♥

ROSEMARY 

 

"Known as a symbol of remembrance and friendship, rosemary fills a garden with aroma, flavor, and activity -- busily pollinating bees love the blooms."

"The Virgin Mary is said to have spread her blue cloak over a white-blossomed rosemary bush when she was resting, and the flowers turned blue. The shrub then became known as the 'Rose of Mary'".

The leaves are used traditionally Italian and Greek cooking. The herb has a bitter, astringent taste and is highly aromatic, which complements a wide variety of foods. When burnt, it gives off a smell similar to burning wood, which can be used to flavor foods while barbecuing. When using in food, a little Rosemary goes a long way; if you add too much it will make the food taste bitter and muddy. But the right amount, and you will be begging for more!

This is a delightful book of rosemary recipes @ Amazon.

 ROSEMARY SHORTBREAD COOKIES

1-1/2 cups Butter - unsalted

2/3 cup Granulated Sugar

2 Tbsp. Fresh Rosemary - chopped

2-3/4 cups All Purpose Flour

1/4 tsp. Salt

2 tsps. Granulated Sugar for decoration

Cream together the butter and 2/3 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the flour salt and rosemary until well blended. The dough will be somewhat soft. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.  

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into rectangles 1 1/2x2 inches in size. Place cookies 1 inch apart on the lined cookie sheets. Sprinkle the remaining sugar over the tops. (You can use cookie cutters for different holidays, too. And you can tint the dough, if you like.)

Bake for 8 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden at the edges. Cool on wire racks, and store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Note: These are wonderful served with iced mint tea, or lemonade. 

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

FIXING THE BROKENESS

You Are God’s Seasoning!

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men." (Matthew 5:13, NKJV)

I believe Jesus used the term “you are the salt of the earth”, for many reasons.  Salt can do so much for our food.  It is used to season our food as well as a preservative. 

As a Christian, we are meant to “season” or help “preserve” God’s word to the world.  We are not to be too strong, like “Hell, Fire and Brimstone” scaring a person into salvation.  At times being too strong may turn people away from God’s word.  If we come across as “wimps”, then we do not get the respect that is needed to bring the lost to the Lord! It is just like seasoning your food, just a little dab will do you!  Not too much and not too little!  In order to know the right amount of “salt” that is needed for the job the Lord has sent you to do, you need to be in prayer and in His word!  This will give you the right “measure” that is needed for your job.

When we use salt as a preservative (a substance added to prevent deterioration) we are “saving” God’s word.  As Christians we are supposed to preserve God’s word.  We should be the seasoning that is helping this wicked world turn to God.  We should add just the right amount of flavor that is needed to bring salvation to the lost.

Remember not to over season your work.  You will never be able to “take away” the season.  The flavoring will be destroyed.  Only the Holy Spirit and show you just how much to add at the right time.

Prayer: Father, we know that it is important for us to be the “salt of this world”.  Please help us to know the right time to season and how to season!  We only want to be used by your measures and not our own.  Help us as preservers of your word.  May we be in your will in everything we say and do. Amen!