Having A Grumpy New Year?

HAVING A GRUMPY NEW YEAR?by penelope carlevato

WWW.PENELOPECARLEVATO.COM

STARTING OFF THE NEW YEARWITH A BAD ATTITUDE IS NOTWHAT I HAD PLANNED.

This past year had been one of suffering, pain and dissapointment. After several months of intense rehab, I was at square one.

The surgery to correct the pain and numbness in my leg had not reduced the effects. The concensus from several medical providers was that something else was wrong.

So, what was I to do? I was mad about the results, especailly when I did due diligence before surgery and sought out several competent medical professionals. All gave me the same answer.

Much prayer and consultation went into my decision. Now I felt betrayed and alone.

Many had prayed for me, with me and over me. I cannot imagaine my emotional state if this had not happened. But now, what should I do?

Several days of being alone with God, being in His Word and finding the words to a 17th-century hymn has given me a different perspective.

Paul Fleming, a German poet, 1609-1640. penned these words that live with vibrancy and truth hundreds of years later:

“Naught can befall me that God did not choose And that would not serve to my ultimate good.”

— Paul Fleming —

This prose summed up hours of prayer and reading. My waiting now does not seem to be so bleak. God has a purpose for each of us. He is in control of everything, including the hard things, that come into our lives. There is a purpose to all suffering and hardship.

The suffferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

— Romans 8:18, ESV —

One of my greatest joys is my gift of hospitality. I have learned to pace myself, ask for help and delight in being able to use my gift in serving others … just in a more simple way. For now, the recipes are not complex, nor are the decorations and the table settings. I still see the joy of joining hands around the table and breaking bread together.

My daughter-in-love, Carmen, gave me this recipe. It’s easy and quick, but very delicious. Serve with a tossed salad and garlic bread for a fun, colorful and tasty dinner.

Tomato, Chicken and Feta Cheese Casserole

2 cups of grape tomatoes, cut in half

1 cup feta cheese

¼ to ½ cup olive oil

1 cup chopped fresh basil

2 cups chopped cooked chicken

Rice or pasta (I like to use Black or Basmati Rice Medley from Trader Joe’s.)

In a 9 x 13 glass dish, mix together all of the above, except the basil and rice.

Bake in 375º oven for 25 minutesTake out of oven and stir in fresh basil.Serve over rice or pastaEnjoy!

Find great recipes like this in

Penelope’s book:

The Art of Afternoon Tea: From the Era of Downton Abbey and the Titanic.

Available autographed from PenelopeCarlevato.com