Inspired by Green

Green is the color of life, of new beginnings. Like a fresh breeze, it draws us out into the world, enticing us to take a stroll and enjoy it’s brilliance.

K is for KIDS

Last week, I shared my plans for the weekend, St. Patrick’s day greenness.

Not ALL of my ideas got shared, but I posted some decidedly un-green photos that had inspired me, so today I thought I’d share the real thing. Some of the most unappetizing-looking food items I’ve ever put into my mouth. Yet my kids were delighted. Dinky Twinkies kept hugging me. “Mom, you are the best!” (Music to my ears!) And Precious Redhead gave her own kind of teenage compliment when she posted about our silly string fight on Facebook saying, “I did not think my mom was so random as that.”

Doing for my kids made me think of how I am to the Lord. There’s a reason why He calls us His children. Jesus even said as much in Mark 10:14 when He declares that the kingdom of heaven is “such” as these. In Mark 10:15 He goes further saying, “Truly I say to you that whoever does not receive the kingdom of heaven like a child will not enter it.”

Kids are naturally trusting. I saw that when I pulled out the silly string and decorated all three girls before they could react. (I probably shouldn’t have stopped to take the pictures, though. That’s when they ganged up on me and stole my can!) But kids will react with trust  to those who have shown them love and kindness. (Oh I should feel so bad!) The point is, my trusting of the Lord should be with my whole heart. Eyes wide. Arms open.

Kids are full of wonder. Even my teenagers still sparkle when something stirs them, but when they were toddlers. Oh my. Think of a bright Christmas tree with all of the colors, movement, and lights and packed with presents underneath. Unsure at first, their mouths would drop open and they would clap their hands. Sometimes even give a little hop. We’re supposed to be that way with the amazing blessings God rains down on us every day.

Kids are so grateful. Along with that wonder often comes big hugs and laughter. Sometimes “thank you” sneaks out, but the true gratefulness is the rapture that fills their faces. Our lives are supposed to be big-time thank-yous right back to God for all He has done for us. We deserve none of His gifts, especially our redemption. The airs of entitlement disperse, our attitude should remain entirely focused on gratitude.

I know the pictures are a little goofy – and some of the food made me GAG! But this weekend not only blessed me with my family, it reminded me of who and whose I am.

I’m Going GREEEEENNNNNNN!

Source: b-moviestar.com via Marjion Pinterest

Not really – but sorta! Even though there is Irish running through our veins (well mostly on dear hubby’s side. I’ve got more of a Scottish ancestry.) I’ve never really celebrated St. Patrick’s Day.

That’s changing this year.

To start, I purchased an inexpensive glass pitcher, I needed a replacement for one that broke last year anyway, and a tall cup that fits inside it. The cup will end up as a gift for my sweet hubby, but for Saturday it’s going to hold some lime slices in place in the glass pitcher. I found the idea on Pinterest, but I wanted to go green! Will have some fresh white flowers with lots of greenery in the final product, I think. I’ll post pics when I’m done with them.

Source: marthastewart.com via Marji on Pinterest

Then I found a baked egg recipe. I’m mostly just using the picture, but I’m making them for breakfast. Canadian bacon slices in the bottom of muffin cups with an egg on top and a smattering of bread crumbs. I’m actually going to crumble up some whole wheat crackers for that. Start by spraying the muffin pan with olive oil cooking spray. Add a slice of cooked Canadian bacon, or a couple of slices of thin-cut deli turkey to the bottom of each cup (one for each person). Add a sprinkle of shredded colby jack cheese. Break an egg into each cup to have a pretty design or do what I’m going to do and stir them up, one at a time with green food coloring – of course!

Sprinkle each with the whole wheat bread crumbs (or just salt and pepper) and bake at 375° for 25 minutes or until the eggs are set and opaque. Yum!

Source: cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com via Marji on Pinterest

That’s just the beginning. I’ll be making Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with green sauce, cupcakes with shamrocks and rainbow decorations, Lucky Charms Treats, and Lime Jello Parfaits sort of like the blues ones you see only … well you get the idea. I’ve got a large lemonade dispenser where I’ll float my leftover lime slices in green lemonade. Hey, it beats the green hot dogs and mac and cheese that I usually offer. (Do you know how hard it is to get got dogs to stay green?)

                                        Source: Uploaded by user via Marji on Pinterest

I’ve also purchased a few gifts. I plan to put each in a bag and send my teenagers on a clue hunt to find them – just because I can. Hey, I’m a mystery writer, for pity’s sake. I can’t just give away the gifts. They have to work for them. 😉

Hope this little article inspires you and I hope your St. Patrick’s Day is outstanding!