Double Post

I started off with a Post inspired by Patti's blog, but came across this in the paper, so I decided to do both Posts in one.

Post# 1

Headline on Page 1 of The Hamilton Spectator:

"One coffin holds so much life unlived"

This is the story of the 22 year old mother and her three children that died in the house fire on March 1st. Tragic! This story was going through my mind when I wrote my last post.

Headline on Page 3

" Lord, we have questions"

This was the statement from Reverend Jan Huijgen who did the funeral.

We all know the theologically correct answer to this statement. You know, this was not God's original purpose and it had to do with original sin, bla bla bla. It just doesn't seem to further our cause by being theologically correct at a time like this. This is one of those times when it is safe to say that there are times when life just stinks! Why Lord? They were so young and innocent and had so much life ahead of them.
I've been told the best thing you can say to grieving people is NOT " I understand", or " they are in a better place". It is simply " I"m sorry for your loss", and just be there with them in their grief and , maybe do something practical like make a meal and drop it off. People don't have time or desire to cook or eat during times like this, but they have to. Be available after the funeral, when ,most people forget, because the grieving process can be a long one. As Christians, I believe we need to be there for hurting people. That's my heart.

AND............ We can learn from this experience. Within your sphere of influence, if you have friends and loved ones, make sure they have working smoke detectors and if they don't , get them one. Those few minutes of warning can be the difference between life and death. This tragedy could have been prevented. Check the batteries in your smoke detectors at least once a year if not more often!

Post #2

Patti's blog post on "meat" inspired me to share a Chili recipe I recently tried, which is very simple and very good!
Do you have a favorite "meat" recipe you would like to share?

CHILI CON CARNE

Ingredients:
- 1lb (450 g) ground beef, I like extra lean
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) chopped onion
- 2 tbsp ( 30 ml) chili powder
- 1 clove garlic, sliced or minced
- 1 can ( 15 oz) ( 425 ml) kidney beans, undrained
- 1 can CAMPBELL'S condensed Tomato soup ( note: it's their recipe, but it really is better than no name, no kidding.)
- 1/4 cup ( 50 ml) water
- 2 tsp ( 10 ml) vinegar
Hot cooked rice or baked potato optional.

* In 10 inch ( 25 cm) skillet over medium heat, cook beef, onion, chili powder and garlic until onion is tender and beef is thoroughly cooked and NO pink remains, stirring to separate meat. Spoon off fat.
* Stir in beans, soup water and vinegar. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low. Cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
* serve over rice or baked potato if desired.

To microwave: Into 2-quart ( 2L) microwave-safe casserole, crumble beef. Stir in onion, chili powder and garlic. Cover with lid; microwave on HIGH 5 minutes or until meat is no longer pink, stirring halfway through cooking to separate meat. Spoon off fat. Stir in beans, soup, water and vinegar. Cover; microwave on HIGH 5 minutes or until bubbling, stirring halfway through cooking.

Makes 5 main-dish servings.

ENJOY!