THE GREATEST OF ALL IS LOVE

I promise I won't get on my soapbox tonight - I would just like to say there are some wonderful people in this world that are so easy to love - and there are some people in this world not so easy to love - and so often they are the ones that need our patience, kindness, and understanding.  We are exhorted in Ephesians 4 to "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."  Tall order to fill - but  we are also told "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you."  So when you have been cheated, yelled at, or accused of a wrong doing that you are innocent of - back off, get your Bible (mine is on my iphone) and turn to Ephesians 4 and read what God expects you to do.  Do I always do that - "NO" but I've learned to get quiet and wait.  God will show you how to handle each situation if you ask Him. 
I went to our Red Cross board meeting last night and one heart warming story was told of a little girl here in Tyler that had her two dollars for Pizza day at school, but she told the teacher she wanted her money to go to the people in Haiti and that she thought all of the kids should do that.  That started a snowball until all of the classes in that elementary school participated and our Red Cross Chairman accepted a check for $1200 from those students!  Amazing - the hearts of the young!  My little seven year old goes to Rice Elementary and she ran up to me so excited that they had a great big container and she took money to help the people in Haiti.  The afternoon I went by - she had her piggybank down - rolling up six dollars at a time in little packages - wanting to give it to the needy!  So precious!  If only we could keep the hearts we had at that age!!!
Well one more week and just a few days before it will be Super Bowl Sunday!  So - I need to give you more recipes to try!!! (Thanks Mary for letting me know you tried one of my recipes -- makes me feel good!)
HAMBURGER CHILE CON QUESO
INGREDIENTS:
1 lb. Hamburger meat
1 lb. Reular velveeta / 1 lb. Jalapeno Velveeta (if you can find it -- otherwise just add some chopped jalapenos)
1 Can Rotel tomatoes
1 Can Cream of Mushroom soup
Melt chesses together in microwave or double boiler;  Cook hamburger until brown - drain well.  Combine and add tomatoes and soup.  Serve warm -- if you have any left over - it freezes well!

Having a crowd - and need something more filling?  Try RITZ POPPY SEED CHICKEN

2 Tubes crushed Ritz crackers
1-1/4 sticks melted margarine
2 Tbls. Poppy Seeds
4-6 Chicken breast cooked and cut into pieces
1 Can Cream of mushroom soup
1 Can Cream of chicken soup
1 cup low fat sour cream
1 Can sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 Large jar diced tomatoes
1 Can sliced ripe olives, drained
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. garlic salt or minced garlic or 2 cloves fresh garlic, pressed
Mix crackers, margarine & Poppy seed together.  Put 1/2 of mixture in greased 9-11 inch baking pan.  Mix all other ingredients and pour over cracker crust.  Cover with the other half of cracker mixture.  Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve with toasted garlic points or bread.

For the vegetarians in your group - and delicious for all:
MARINATED VEGETABLE SALAD

1 Can LeSueur Peas
1 Can Shoe peg corn
1 Can French sliced green beans
1 large jar diced pimentos
1 or 2 chopped green onions

Dressing:
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup Red Wine Vinegar
1/3 Cup Salad oil(I use Canola)
Salt and pepper and garlic salt

Mix and pour over mixture of veggies and let sit overnight.

I sure hope you will try some of these - I promise they are "tried and true" and you will enjoy! 
How is it going anyway?  Anyone trying to bring their cooking to a higher level?  Anyone seeing the appreciation of your family?  The joy of cooking may come very slowly to some of you - but the pleasure of a family's compliment or the enjoy of seeing the appreciation in their eyes is immediate reward!  Keep trying -- Cooking just like marriage takes work, patience and love - and the greatest of all is the love you show by pleasing someone else! 

God bless each of you - and Goodnight!