True Riches

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." I Timothy 6:17.

Lord, help us keep in mind where our true riches lie. We are grateful for your abundant provision. Help us raise up children whose eyes are on building a heavenly kingdom and not on acquiring wealth in this earthly kingdom. Especially with the holidays coming, help us direct our children's focus to the birth of our Savior and not on the toys they hope to attain.

My girls are making Christmas lists. Liana wrote hers on a long piece of paper rolled like a scroll, tied with a ribbon. As uncomfortable as I am with the idea of longing for "stuff," it reminds me of my own childhood and the Sears catalog and anticipating Christmas morning. My girls have the American Girl catalog to dream through. Arielle has dozens of items circled and starred, Liana a select few. This is a tough year; all their toy wishes can't come true. I overheard Fred talking with Liana about being rich. He said no we are not. Liana said, "Yes, we are! We have Jesus." It doesn't take much to please Liana. Arielle, on the other hand, often feels slighted. Sometimes I think she has an empty void deep within that is never quite filled. She lost so much.

What's Cooking Tonight...

Peppery Pork Chops

1/3 cup butter

1 tsp. minced garlic

1 cup dry bread crumbs

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. red pepper

1/4 tsp. black pepper

6 pork chops or boneless chicken breasts

Grease a 13X9 baking pan. In a small pan, melt the butter with the garlic. In a shallow bowl, mix the bread crumbs with the salt and peppers. (For little ones, just leave out the red pepper.) Dip the chops in the garlic butter, then in the crumbs. Arrange in baking pan. Drizzle over any remaining butter and sprinkle with remaining crumbs. Bake uncovered at 425 degrees for about 35-40 minutes.