rare pearls

Charles Spurgeon said: "Those who dive in the sea of affliction bring up rare pearls."

The greatest thing about prayer journaling is the ability to look back at them after a few years. It's neat to see what I considered to be the most important things in my life at different stages. But mainly I like to see how God is glorified in my brokenness. I like to be reminded that my life and all its wretchedness is the perfect place for God to work. Not being honest about our struggles actually does a disservice to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Here's what God says to you:

Your weakness and brokenness draw me ever so near to you. You can open up to Me because I understand you perfectly. My compassion for you is overflowing. As you open yourself to My healing Presence, I fill you with Peace that transcends understanding. So stop trying to figure everything out. Instead, lean on Me, letting your head rest on My chest. While you rest, I will be watching over you and all that concerns you.
Trust Me in the depths of your being, where I live in union with you. My healing work in you is most effective when you are actively trusting Me. Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing Love for you will not be shaken. This is the essence of My compassion for you: No matter how desperate your circumstances, the one thing you can always count on is My unfailing love.
(Jesus Lives, Sarah Young)


Thank you Lord for knowing me and loving me. Please help me to lean on you and trust you always. Rid me of my selfishness. My prayer is that you would be glorified in me!

Sea of Galilee!

Baingan Bharta (Eggplant Curry)

Someone was talking about eggplant today. And after the favorable outcome of the Moroccan Meatballs, I decided to persist in my Indian cuisine.

Eggplant Curry over parmesan couscous!

This was soooo good! And totally vegetarian!

First I cut a large eggplant in half lengthwise and put it facedown on a baking sheet in the oven on 450 for 25 minutes.

While that's cooking, saute one chopped onion with 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds until the onion is tender.

Mix in 1 teaspoon minced ginger, 1 teaspoon garlic, 1 tablespoon curry powder, 1 can rotel, 1 teaspoon chopped jalepenos, 1/2 cup plain yogurt.

When the eggplant is done, spoon out the flesh and cut it into cubes. Add it to the mixture along with 1 cup frozen peas. Cover it and cook on high for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.

Then I made some 5-minute couscous to go with it. YUM.

This is the abridged version because SYTYCD is on TV. And I gotta go watch!!!