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Friday, March 23, 2018

More Than Merely Potatoes and Chili

Writing poetry has given me the smallest of glimpses 
into what a teacher or pastor must struggle with daily...
downsizing large topics into bite-size pieces!

Speaking of bite-size pieces...
 (I got this potato-recipe from a friend so decided to try it for supper; Wash, dry, cut potato in half. Place cut side up on baking sheet. Brush with olive oil, season with salt pepper and your favorite seasonings. I used garlic powder, dill and paprika. Bake at 400 til tender then top with cheese and veggies. I used only cheese to keep it kid-friendly but green onion and peppers would be delicious!)

 A reader asked me yesterday if I live in England, because of words I used in this poem 
'March Mosaic' .words like thatch, heath, cottage
( I told her I'm pure Canadian 
but believe I was influenced by English authors I am reading and by the settings of the stories)
It got me to contemplating how subtle and powerful Influence is!
Often we are not even aware of how deeply it affects us.

I love cooking for my Thursday night boys! 
But its good to be reminded, I am feeding them far more than chili and potatoes!
... as the old proverb states; Much more is caught than taught(or fed;)!
...and they're always 'digesting' far more than dinner!
(Grandson Brantley loves making a mess and making us laugh)


It often looks like nothing much
The things we see and hear and touch
Yet we are shaped by its immense
Persuasion, known as Influence

That theater of thought, we know
Is capable of quite a show
The cast that masterminds intents
Is birthed and fed by Influence

We live, surrounded by a world
Of good and evil subtly-swirled
As we decipher and discern
We Influence others in turn

God, pray we are drawn to Your Word
To keep pure vision undeterred
For You are our best defense
An infallible Influence

Remind us, while Want’s whispers woo
We touch others by what we do
…where childhood’s lovely innocence
Soon wears whispers of Influence

© Janet Martin


Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 

Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this--not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way.

2 comments:

  1. "We live, surrounded by a world
    Of good and evil subtly-swirled"

    We do live in the midst of a battle. Thank goodness for Faith.

    On a lighter note: I love potatoes, and will definitely try your recipe! Question: after you top them with cheese/veggies, do you leave them in the oven for a little while longer? How long?

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    Replies
    1. Yes, Faith is our anchor, compass, beacon, etc.! PTL!!!
      We are potato lovers too. For just cheese-topping it only took a minute back in the oven but depending on the veggies I would guess between 5-10 min. Some of my family wished for bacon and sour cream but I don't buy those two items very often ...it would be tasty but not as healthy as veggies:) Enjoy!

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I hope you enjoyed your pause on this porch and thank-you for your visit!