My Heart Is Full...

Today, my heart is full. I want to share with you a very personal story that unfolded this past week.

In 2003, my husband graduated from Bible college in May...we had our first daughter in August...and we moved to my husband's home church here in Reno, Nevada. Due to circumstances, the church was not able to hire my husband on full-time staff as we had expected. This was a mighty big blow for a young couple who had just moved across country.
Instead of letting the circumstances make us better - we became bitter.

I wish I could tell you the lessons we learned during this time...but I am sad to say I can't. For the past 5 years, my husband and I have battled this bitterness that started back in 2003. I am thankful it did not ruin our family or marriage. I am grateful that we did not leave church and we stayed working for the Lord. However, during this time, this bitterness ruined our spirits. We became extremely critical and dwelt on our hurts. We used the hurts to justify our bad spirits.

Through a very special friend and the counsel he gave us...God has given us yet another chance to make our hearts right. We had a very sweet and special moment in our marriage that I will always remember. We prayed and rededicated our lives, family and marriage to the Lord. I have only seen my husband cry a handful times of in our 9 1/2 yrs. together...when his grandfather died, when Bro. Hyles died, when his mom got saved just in the past year...and now-relieving his heart to me - letting go of the bitterness and reuniting our spirit together.

His tender and humble spirit broke my bitter spirit. He then told me that we would be going as a family back to his home church...we would be joining this church...we would be serving there. The next day, we met with his home pastor and had a sweet time together. Eric apologized for the bad feelings of bitterness that we had held for these many years against him. They hugged and cried together...
joined once again for the Lord.

This Sunday evening, Eric once again stood in front of the entire church family, humbled himself and apologized to anyone that we may have hurt. Yet again...wonderful Christians who love you no matter what has happened. What an example of Christ in these special people! I am thrilled and humbled to be loved by these great people!

We knew that we had to go back to where the hurt started and the bitterness began. The only way to heal was to go back and face the bitterness in the face!

And we have! What a feeling! To know that your heart is free of the chains of bitterness that held it bondage for so long! I praise the Lord for his goodness and his grace!

I have not explained this story in the way I wish...I hope that you will see my heart...and that it may help whoever may need it at this time.

The Grays Visit Reno, Nevada!

Monday and Tuesday evenings, our family visited Lighthouse Baptist Church in Reno to hear Bro. Bob Gray Sr. and Jr. preach! I am so glad we did!
What powerful men of God!
As I listened to Bro. Gray, Sr., I could close my eyes and almost hear Bro. Jack Hyles preaching. This nearly brought tears to my eyes. He has been gone but his preaching lives on through Bro. Gray, Sr.!
Bro. Bob, Jr.....well, he is just a plain nut! :) He truly has a gift from God with teenagers. He sat with us in the service and Eric was able to take him out for coffee after the service. What a privilege!

I appreciate so very much...those who have been raised in the strict, Baptist way and have chosen it for themselves. Some use it as an excuse not to want to serve the Lord. I along with the four Gray children say...Praise the Lord that I was raised this way!

My heart is full with God's goodness. I just can't put what I really want to say into words.

Praise the Lord for real people serving a real God!

(*I included a picture of Bro. Bob Jr.'s family that he e-mailed me. You can visit their ministry on the web at Longview Baptist Temple in Texas.)

Reverse Psychology!

Yesterday, for dinner, I made a new pizza recipe which I will share with you another time! :) With the pizza, I made a spinach salad.
My daughter, Addie, said...Mommy, why do we have to eat leaves? LOL!
I grew up thinking spinach was that gross, wilty green stuff.
I automatically didn't "like" spinach because who really did? Especially in that way! :) I want my children to be exposed to a variety of healthy as well as delicious food. And I would love if they would enjoy eating it!
So I used reverse psychology... I asked if they would like some "dip" to dip their "leaves" in! Dip at the Tastet house is AKA - ranch dressing! :) They did and ate all their leaves for dinner! My husband did ask why I put it on the side of the spinach leaves instead of on top of it.
Reverse psychology, my dear! It is more fun to dip your food if you are a kid!
And, as usual, Mom was right!

First Day of Kindergarten!

Today was our first day of kindergarten at the Tastet home!
It was not exactly how I had pictured it to be! LOL! I had thought that we would be moved into our new home but that was delayed. So we actually don't have a "schoolroom" how I would like at this time. So we set up in a corner of our bedroom for the time being. Addie was excited as soon as she got up. Then while setting out the books and materials for today, I couldn't find the very first DVD for Days 1 & 2 Lessons! I spent 45 minutes trying to find it even though I remembered leaving it in the laptop. It wasn't in the laptop though and I was a little frazzled! Through a phone call later to my husband, he thinks that it might have been taken out at the church yesterday. So instead of waiting, we started with Day 3's lessons for our first day. Addie seemed a little confused and upset when we started but with a lot of help and praise on my end, she calmed down and really enjoyed it.
All in all, it was a good first day of school! :)

Recipe: Meatball Tortellini

Today we had an Italian potluck dinner at our church. I tried a new recipe and I loved it! It was simple, delicious and so easy! It was also a change from the traditional spaghetti and meatballs or lasagna. Enjoy!

Meatball Tortellini

Ingredients:

• 1 package (16 ounces) frozen California-blend vegetables
  
• 30 frozen cooked Italian or homestyle meatballs (1/2 ounce each), thawed
• 2 cups uncooked dried cheese tortellini
• 2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
• 2-1/4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

Directions:

In a 3-qt. slow cooker, combine the vegetables, meatballs and tortellini. In a large bowl, whisk the soup, water and Cajun seasoning. Pour over vegetable-meatball mixture; stir well. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the tortellini and vegetables are tender. Yield: 6-8 servings.

Our First Day at our New Home!

What a busy day! I thought I would share a few pictures with you. We already started work on our home. I started priming the walls to be painted. My oldest daughter, Addie, helped me. We had a great time just me and her this afternoon working on our project together! She thinks she is the greatest painter in Nevada! I know I enjoy working with her! :) Still a long ways to go but at least we are started on our way!

Blessings!

Just some good news to share with our friends and family...

Our home buying process is complete! We received our keys to our new home today! God blessed us tremendously in the purchase of this home. It was a bank-owned property and they paid our closing costs -6%. This saved us several thousand dollars out of our pockets! This also enabled our lender to drop our interest rate to 5.875% which is very good in today's market! Our taxes for an entire year is under $900 which is very reasonable.
We have some work that needs to be done...putting in new carpet and flooring, painting, cleaning, and lots of yard work! I will keep you updated with before and after pictures. :) It is exciting to have new projects to work on!
(Just beware of the "before pictures"...orange living room, yellow hallway, pink, green and blue bedrooms! Whew!)

What a blessing! God is good!

We also paid off our car loan today as well! What a great feeling!
No more car payments...Praise the Lord!

Today I am very grateful to the Lord for all His many blessings!

The Nevada State Fair

The Nevada State Fair

This week, we visited the Nevada State Fair which is held here in Reno. We went with some folks from our church, the Snows, the Campbells and the Mussers. The girls had a great time with the Snow girls. Bro. Snow bought them all a bag of cotton candy (sugar high!) and a balloon! They were loving it! We also went and saw the animal exhibits. The Snow girls said they should buy a goat, a sheep, etc. and they could keep them in their backyard! I don't think Tamara would go for that! LOL! The girls rode on the ponies as well. As for me...garlic french fries were my highlight! LOL! They were the best I have ever had!

Prayer Request: My Grandma

Please pray for my grandma, Veta Holt. She lives in Oakwood, Ohio. She fell this weekend and fractured her collarbone. She is up in years so healing will be a slow process. She is losing her independence as her health is failing and this has been hard on her as well.
Pray that she will heal quickly and that her spirit will be encouraged during this time.
Thank you!

The Wolfe Family

I just wanted to share a few pictures of my sister- Rachel Wolfe, her son-Evan and her daughter-Kylee. They were taken at the Fair Oaks Dairy Farm, Indiana. My brother-in-law, Adam, teaches at City Baptist High School-a Christian school for inner city kids from Chicago. It is a ministry of their church-First Baptist Church of Hammond, IN. Rachel is a stay-at-home mom. Kylee is 2 yrs. old and Evan is the baby of the family-almost 5 months old.
I love you guys and miss you so very much!

Video: Sierra Learns To Crawl!

My first video on my blog! :) This is my youngest daughter Sierra. She turned 10 months old today. She recently in the past week or so mastered the art of crawling and going from her belly to a sitting up position! Yes, I know....mobility equals trouble! LOL! I just love it though! Oh yes...her first word besides mama and dada....Hot! Yes, she says it all the time! Hot! What a memory when she is grown and I tell her what her first word was! :)

Family Outing to Lake Tahoe

Today we went on a family outing to Lake Tahoe!
Yea! We have only gotten up to Tahoe once this summer since we moved back...and that was to pick up my stove and dishwasher! The girls were very excited to go except Autumn thought we said "Taco" and she said...I don't like tacoes! The cuteness of a two year old! LOL!
We took the drive through Carson City this time and around the lake. We went to Emerald Bay, the most beautiful spot on Lake Tahoe, and hiked down the trail to Vikingsholm Castle. Well, we had the bright idea to take our double stroller for Autumn and Sierra! It worked fine down the trail. Not so easy coming back up! Let's just say, Eric got his workout today! :) We had an enjoyable time together as a family and the girls both said...that was fun! Autumn said we should go tomorrow again! LOL! I don't think we will do that since we drove around 160 miles to get there, around the lake and back! Oh yes...my batteries in my camera died so I pulled out my extra batteries to find out that they were dead as well! So here is a few we did get from the camera phone. Gotta give me credit for at least remembering all my kids...diapers...purse...LOL!

Recipe: Beans with Cherry Tomatoes

For the past two years, my sister and I planted a garden together in Indiana. We had lots of fresh green beans and cherry tomatoes! I have missed the fresh produce this summer since we moved to Nevada. Here is a yummy side dish to make from your fresh summer produce!

Beans With Cherry Tomatoes

Ingredients:

• 4 bacon strips, diced
• 1-1/2 pounds fresh green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1-1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Directions:

In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain. In the drippings, saute beans for 12-14 minutes or until crisp-tender. Add garlic; cook 2-3 minutes longer. Stir in tomatoes and salt; heat through. Sprinkle with bacon and almonds. Serve immediately. Yield: 8 servings.

September Bulletin Board

I just finished Addie's bulletin board for the month of September yesterday! Of course, every back-to-school bulletin board is Apples! :)
I thought I would share it with you!

Creating A School Schedule

My days have been filled with activities of preparation for "back to school"! This year will be different than my daughter's first year of K-4. She had the privilege of attending Hammond Baptist Grade School last year. This year, I will be home-schooling her at home. I have been planning and preparing for her school year in many ways. I wanted to share with you in a few blogs some of the preparations we have made! :)

Adjusting To A New School Schedule:

1. My children have the same nighttime/bedtime routine in the summer as other times of the year. We eat dinner as a family at 5pm each evening...baths at 7pm...bedtime at 8pm.
If your children are allowed to have a later bedtime in the summer, allow one-two weeks before the start of school to adjust to a school time bedtime/morning schedule.

2. Speak often of school in a positive note. This year, I want my daughter to be excited about the opportunity of schooling at our home. I have taken time to plan extra activities and make things to make her "classroom" special for her.

3. Establish a schedule for each child regarding homework, school times, chores, TV/play time, bath time, bed time.

Addie's Schedule: (Kindergarten: 5 yrs. old)
(Homeschooling Schedule)
7am......Wake up.

7:15am......Get dressed/fix hair/brush teeth.

7:30am......Breakfast.

8:00am......Chores: Make bed.
Straighten bedroom.

8:30am-10:00am......School lessons.

10:00am......Snack/recess break.

10:30am-12:00pm......School lessons.

12:00pm.......Lunch.

1:00pm.......Playtime.

4:00pm.......Chore: Set table for supper.

5:00pm......Dinner with family.

7:00pm......Bath time.

8:00pm.......Bed time.

What are some ways that you have used to help your children adjust to a school schedule? Please leave me a comment and give me your ideas!
Have a wonderful day!

Hot August Nights!

This week, I have enjoyed an annual event we have here in Reno called Hot August Nights. It is an event that began in 1986 featuring the era of the 1950's and 60's. You will see lots of poodle skirts, Elvis impersonators, and many vintage cars! It is quite the event. The qualifications to register your car for this event is that it has to be 1972 or older. The cars on display and cruising around town are incredible! There are so many kinds, colors, makes and models! This year, there are 5,500 registered cars along with 5,000 more who come to join in the event. That is a lot of cars! For those of that era, they also hold a Prom Night and a Sock Hop! More than 800,000 people visit Reno for this event. I included a few pictures of Hot August Nights for you to enjoy!

Twenty Healthiest Foods For Under $1!

I read this article this evening and found it very interesting! I have to admit, on my grocery shopping trips as of late, I get very depressed on the amount of money I end up spending for just one week of meals! With the cost of food rising, it is important to still buy healthy foods for our families! Hope this article gives you some "cheap" food ideas for your next shopping trip! :)

Food prices are climbing, and some might be looking to fast foods and packaged foods for their cheap bites. But low cost doesn’t have to mean low quality. In fact, some of the most inexpensive things you can buy are the best things for you. At the grocery store, getting the most nutrition for the least amount of money means hanging out on the peripheries—near the fruits and veggies, the meat and dairy, and the bulk grains—while avoiding the expensive packaged interior. By doing so, not only will your kitchen be stocked with excellent foods, your wallet won’t be empty.

1. Oats
High in fiber and complex carbohydrates, oats have also been shown to lower cholesterol. And they sure are cheap—a dollar will buy you more than a week’s worth of hearty breakfasts.
Serving suggestions: Sprinkle with nuts and fruit in the morning, make oatmeal cookies for dessert.

2. Eggs
You can get about a half dozen of eggs for a dollar, making them one of the cheapest and most versatile sources of protein. They are also a good source of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which may ward off age-related eye problems.

Serving suggestions: Huevos rancheros for breakfast, egg salad sandwiches for lunch, and frittatas for dinner.

3. Kale
This dark, leafy green is loaded with vitamin C, carotenoids, and calcium. Like most greens, it is usually a dollar a bunch.

Serving suggestions: Chop up some kale and add to your favorite stir-fry.

4. Potatoes
Because we often see potatoes at their unhealthiest—as fries or chips—we don’t think of them as nutritious, but they definitely are. Eaten with the skin on, potatoes contain almost half a day’s worth of Vitamin C, and are a good source of potassium. If you opt for sweet potatoes or yams, you’ll also get a good wallop of beta carotene. Plus, they’re dirt cheap and have almost endless culinary possibilities.

Serving suggestions: In the a.m., try Easy Breakfast Potatoes; for lunch, make potato salad; for dinner, have them with sour cream and chives.

5. Apples
I’m fond of apples because they’re inexpensive, easy to find, come in portion-controlled packaging, and taste good. They are a good source of pectin—a fiber that may help reduce cholesterol—and they have the antioxidant Vitamin C, which keeps your blood vessels healthy.

Serving suggestions: Plain; as applesauce; or in baked goods like Pumpkin-Apple Breakfast Bread.

6. Nuts
Though nuts have a high fat content, they’re packed with the good-for-you fats—unsaturated and monounsaturated. They’re also good sources of essential fatty acids, Vitamin E, and protein. And because they’re so nutrient-dense, you only need to eat a little to get the nutritional benefits. Although some nuts, like pecans and macadamias, can be costly, peanuts, walnuts, and almonds, especially when bought in the shell, are low in cost.

Serving suggestions: Raw; roasted and salted; sprinkled in salads.

7. Bananas
At a local Trader Joe’s, I found bananas for about 19¢ apiece; a dollar gets you a banana a day for the workweek. High in potassium and fiber (9 grams for one), bananas are a no-brainer when it comes to eating your five a day quotient of fruits and veggies.

Serving suggestions: In smoothies, by themselves, in cereal and yogurt.

8. Garbanzo Beans
With beans, you’re getting your money’s worth and then some. Not only are they a great source of protein and fiber, but ’bonzos are also high in fiber, iron, folate, and manganese, and may help reduce cholesterol levels. And if you don’t like one type, try another—black, lima, lentils … the varieties are endless. Though they require soaking and cooking, the most inexpensive way to purchase these beans is in dried form; a precooked can will still only run you around a buck.

Serving suggestions: In salads, curries, and Orange Hummus.

9. Broccoli
Broccoli contains tons of nice nutrients—calcium, vitamins A and C, potassium, folate, and fiber. As if that isn’t enough, broccoli is also packed with phytonutrients, compounds that may help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Plus, it’s low in calories and cost.

Serving suggestions: Throw it in salads, stir fries, or served as an accompaniment to meat in this Steamed Ginger Chicken with Asian Greens recipe.

10. Watermelon
Though you may not be able to buy an entire watermelon for a dollar, your per serving cost isn’t more than a few dimes. This summertime fruit is over 90 percent water, making it an easy way to hydrate, and gives a healthy dose of Vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, an antioxidant that may ward off cancer.

Serving suggestions: Freeze chunks for popsicles; eat straight from the rind.

11. Wild Rice
It won’t cost you much more than white rice, but wild rice is much better for you. Low in fat and high in protein and fiber, this gluten-free rice is a great source of complex carbohydrates. It packs a powerful potassium punch and is loaded with B vitamins. Plus, it has a nutty, robust flavor.

Serving suggestions: Mix with nuts and veggies for a cold rice salad; blend with brown rice for a side dish.

12. Beets
Beets are my kind of vegetable—their natural sugars make them sweet to the palate while their rich flavor and color make them nutritious for the body. They’re powerhouses of folate, iron, and antioxidants.

Serving suggestions: Shred into salads, slice with goat cheese. If you buy your beets with the greens on, you can braise them in olive oil like you would other greens.

13. Butternut Squash
This beautiful gourd swings both ways: sometimes savory, sometimes sweet. However you prepare the butternut, it will not only add color and texture, but also five grams of fiber per half cup and chunks and chunks of Vitamin A and C. When in season, butternut squash and related gourds are usually less than a dollar a pound.

Serving suggestions: Try Pear and Squash Bruschetta; cook and dot with butter and salt.

14. Whole Grain Pasta
In the days of Atkins, pasta was wrongly convicted, for there is nothing harmful about a complex carbohydrate source that is high in protein and B vitamins. Plus, it’s one of the cheapest staples you can buy.

Serving suggestions: Mix clams with linguine; top orzo with tomatoes and garlic; eat cold Farfalle Salad on a picnic.

15. Sardines
As a kid, I used to hate it when my dad would order sardines on our communal pizzas, but since then I’ve acquired a taste for them. Because not everyone has, you can still get a can of sardines for relatively cheap. And the little fish come with big benefits: calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins. And, because they’re low on the food chain, they don’t accumulate mercury.

Serving suggestions: Mash them with parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil for a spread; eat them plain on crackers; enjoy as a pizza topping (adults only).

16. Spinach
Spinach is perhaps one of the best green leafies out there—it has lots of Vitamin C, iron, and trace minerals. Plus, you can usually find it year round for less than a dollar.

Serving suggestions: Sautéed with eggs, as a salad, or a Spinach Frittata.

17. Tofu
Not just for vegetarians anymore, tofu is an inexpensive protein source that can be used in both savory and sweet recipes. It’s high in B vitamins and iron, but low in fat and sodium, making it a healthful addition to many dishes.

Serving suggestions: Use silken varieties in Tofu Cheesecake; add to smoothies for a protein boost; cube and marinate for barbecue kebobs.

18. Lowfat Milk
Yes, the price of a gallon of milk is rising, but per serving, it’s still under a dollar; single serving milk products, like yogurt, are usually less than a dollar, too. Plus, you’ll get a lot of benefit for a small investment. Milk is rich in protein, vitamins A and D, potassium, and niacin, and is one of the easiest ways to get bone-strengthening calcium.

Serving suggestions: In smoothies, hot chocolate, or coffee; milk products like low fat cottage cheese and yogurt.

19. Pumpkin Seeds
When it’s time to carve your pumpkin this October, don’t shovel those seeds into the trash—they’re a goldmine of magnesium, protein, and trace minerals. Plus, they come free with the purchase of a pumpkin.

Serving suggestions: Salt, roast, and eat plain; toss in salads.

20. Coffee
The old cup-o-joe has been thrown on the stands for many a corporeal crime—heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis—but exonerated on all counts. In fact, coffee, which is derived from a bean, contains beneficial antioxidants that protect against free radicals and may actually help thwart heart disease and cancer. While it’s not going to fill you up like the other items on this list, it might make you a lot perkier. When made at home, coffee runs less than 50¢ cents a cup.

Serving suggestions: Just drink it!

Although that bag of 99¢ Cheetos may look like a bargain, knowing that you’re not getting much in the way of nutrition or sustenance makes it seem less like a deal and more like a dupe. Choosing one of these twenty items, or the countless number of similarly nutritious ones, might just stretch that dollar from a snack into a meal.

Video Game Or Talk?

Today, my blog entry will be a confession! I hope it will be a help to you as I tell you my story.

Saturday was a busy day for me. It was my oldest daughter's 5th birthday and I promised her a party. It was to be nothing large or spectacular but special for her! I woke up at 6:45am (sleeping in a little but still hoping to get some things done before my girls woke up! :) However, upon checking on my girls, I found them wide awake waiting for the birthday day to arrive! So it was non-stop with my duties...

We had a sweet and small party for my daughter at 1pm. After the party, I ran to the store for a few things for Sunday then went to the church to clean it for Sunday services. Then I came home and did the regular evening rounds of baths, brushing teeth, etc. Whew! I am getting tired just writing this! :)

Well, around 9 pm...I was ready for some adult talk time with my husband! You see, we are living with my father-in-law and brother-in-law so alone time is few and far between! Someone is always around! So, I told Eric that I was heading to the bedroom and when he was done playing his golf game on his X-Box...I would love to talk for a bit. (Hint, hint!!) Sounds like what a good wife would do, right? I asked nicely...did not expect him to just know that I wanted to talk with him...gave nice hints. Well, after a few more hints, I was just plain upset! I mean, come on! I thought I deserved to be able to ask for a few minutes alone with my husband. He had been playing that golf game for hours!

So through the next morning, I was upset. I tried to let it go but you know how women are! We just can't do that! I almost let it ruin my Sunday morning service just by holding a grudge. After all, aren't we supposed to have the right to hold grudges if we are in the right?? Of course, this is what we use to justify our thoughts and actions anyway.

So finally after church, I just let it out. I told him that all I had wanted was a couple moments alone to talk but you could not stop the video game for me! I tried to make him feel bad but do you all have a stubborn husband like I have? Saying things like that make them more stubborn! (By the way, that is a character trait that makes a great leader! Love that trait in your man!) Well, this is what he said to me...

He said that my reaction should have been..."my husband works hard all week long and never plays video games. I am glad that he can relax and play a video game and enjoy his day off."


Wow. I was put in my place...and am I glad! The next time he plays a video game, I will remember this lesson that I was taught this day!

Snack Ideas for School

We are nearing the end of the summer! School days will be here before we know it. Here are some ideas of yummy but healthy treats to pack in your kids' lunches. Or use them as snack ideas for anytime!

• Vegetable sticks with a small container of salad dressing for dipping

• Fresh fruit

• Pretzels

• Celery sticks filled with cream cheese or peanut butter

• Fruit yogurt

• Pudding

• Crackers--plain or with peanut butter or cheese

• Cheese sticks

• Graham crackers

• Dried fruit

• Nuts

• Tortilla chips with a small jar of salsa

• Small bags of popcorn

• Stickers

• A note from you!

"Homemade Brownies"

Last week, I walked into my office to find a sandwich bag on my desk containing three chewy, tasty, homemade chocolate brownies. Some thoughtful and anonymous person who knew my love for tasty homemade brownies had placed them there, along with a hand written short story. I immediately sat down and began eating the first chewy, tasty, homemade brownie as I read the following story:

Two teenagers asked their father if they could go the theater to watch a movie that all their friends had seen. After reading some reviews about the movie on the Internet, he denied their request.

"Aw dad, why not?" they complained. "It's rated PG-13, and we're both older than thirteen!"

Dad replied, "Because that movie contains nudity and portrays immorality as being normal and acceptable behavior."

"But dad, those are just very small parts of the movie! That's what our friends who've seen it have told us. The movie is two hours long and those scenes are just a few minutes of the total film! It's based on a true story and good triumphs over evil, and there are other redeeming themes like courage and self-sacrifice. Even the movie review websites say that!"

"My answer is 'no,' and that is my final answer. You are welcome to stay home tonight, invite some of your friends over, and watch one of the good videos we have in our home collection. But you will not go and watch that film. End of discussion."

The two teenagers walked dejectedly into the family room and slumped down on the couch. As they sulked, they were surprised to hear the sounds of their Father preparing something in the kitchen. They soon recognized the wonderful aroma of brownies baking in the oven, and one of the teenagers said to the other, "Dad must be feeling guilty, and now he's going to try to make it up to us with some fresh brownies. Maybe we can soften him with lots of praise when he brings them out to us and persuade him to let us go to that movie after all."

About that time I began eating the second brownie from the sandwich bag and wondered if there was some connection to the brownies I was eating and the brownies in the story. I kept reading...

The teens were not disappointed. Soon their father appeared with a plate of warm brownies, which he offered to his kids. They each took one. Then their father said, "Before you eat, I want to tell you something: I love you both so much. That is why I've made these brownies with the very best ingredients. I've made them from scratch. Most of the ingredients are even organic. The best organic flour. The best free-range eggs. The best organic sugar. Premium Vanilla and chocolate." The brownies looked mouthwatering, and the teens began to become a little impatient with their dad's long speech.

"But I want to be perfectly honest with you. There is one ingredient I added that is not usually found in brownies. I got that ingredient from our own back yard. But you needn't worry, because I only added the tiniest bit of that ingredient to your brownies. The amount of the portion is practically insignificant. So go ahead, take a bite and let me know what you think."

"Dad, would you mind telling us what that mystery ingredient is before we eat?"

"Why? The portion I added was so small. Just a teaspoonful. You won't even taste it."

"Come on, dad; just tell us what that ingredient is."

"Don't worry! It is organic, just like the other ingredients."

"Dad!"

"Well, OK, if you insist. That secret ingredient is fresh organic...dog poop."

I immediately stopped chewing that second brownie and I spit it out into the wastebasket by my desk. I continued reading, now fearful of the paragraphs that still remained.

Both teens instantly dropped their brownies back on the plate and began inspecting their fingers with horror. "DAD! Why did you do that? You've tortured us by making us smell those brownies cooking for the last half hour, and now you tell us that you added dog poop! We can't eat these brownies!"

"Why not? The amount of dog poop is very small compared to the rest of the ingredients. It won't hurt you. It's been cooked right along with the other ingredients. You won't even taste it. It has the same consistency as the brownies. Go ahead and eat!"

"No, Dad...NEVER!"

And that is the same reason I won't allow you to go watch that movie. You won't tolerate a little dog poop in your brownies, so why should you tolerate a little immorality in your movies? We pray that God will not lead us unto temptation, so how can we in good conscience entertain ourselves with something that will imprint a sinful image in our minds that will lead us into temptation long after we first see it?

I discarded what remained of the second brownie as well as the entire untouched third brownie. What had been irresistible a minute ago had become detestable!

And only because of the very slim chance that what I was eating was slightly polluted. (Surely it wasn't . . . but I couldn't convince myself.)

What a good lesson about purity! Why do we tolerate any sin?