Armed with Love: Honor

"Love is not rude," I Corinthians 13:5.
We are a family who loves to laugh at each other. With three teenagers in our home, we are very familiar with the foul odors that can be made by a person. We tend to make light of it. Some people would consider this incredibly rude. I consider this making the best of a very bad (smelling) situation. My grandmother used to call this "bathroom talk." My cousins and I used to tease her by going into the bathroom and having pleasant conversation when she would reprimand us for our poor choices in humor.
I Corinthians 13:5 tells us, "Love is not rude." The word "rude" in this sentence is the Greek word "aschēmoneō" which means, "to act unbecomingly." My Today's New International version says it this way, "Love does not dishonor." To dishonor someone is to treat the person as if they had no value. If we want to battle dishonor we must learn honor. To honor a person is to understand their value. In the Bible the words for honor and respect are the same Greek word, "timaō." Timaō is defined, "to honour, to have in honour, to revere, venerate." In I Peter 2:17 we see this command, "Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king." The word respect in this verse is the word "timaō." If I love someone with honor and respect then I revere them. Webster's Dictionary defines revere as, "to regard with respect tinged with awe." This sense of awe I must have brings something new to the mix. I must look at those I love with a new sense of awe. These creatures I live with are created uniquely by a loving God for His purpose. That is awesome.
I forget sometimes how awesome my children are. I neglect to consider my children's feelings when I am frustrated or overwhelmed. I am annoyed when they express the way they are uniquely made by God when it doesn't appeal to my sense of purpose for their lives. I sometimes say things that can be down right rude. I must learn to love them as God loves them realising that He has made them each for a special purpose. I must stand in awe and respect His creation.
Sometimes I forget how awesome my husband is. Truth be told, the dogs are the most excited creatures in the house to see my husband come home. They leap up when they hear the key slide into the lock. They jump and cheer as he enters the door. The dogs can't wait until they each receive their pet. The dogs should not be the only ones glad to see him come home. I should leap from my chair ready to greet him. I should show my appreciation for the sacrifices he made to provide for our family. I must show him the honor due him.
Domestic Warriors, we must fight our battles with honor. Prepare for battle with aprons on.

Simple Oreo Truffles

This is another great recipe from my friend, Shelly Brown. If you love Oreos you will love this one. I think you could use a small scoop to make these. I am going to make these for my next girls night. Yum!

Simple Oreo Truffles

16 oz package of Oreos
8 oz package cream cheese, softened
16 oz semi-sweet baking chocolate, melted

Directions

Completely crush Oreos and place in a bowl. Add cream cheese. Mix until blended. Roll cookie mixture into 1-inch balls. Dip in chocolate and place on wax paper to cool. Decorate truffles as desired.

Refrigerate until firm, about one hour. Eat them all. Or cover and refrigerate.

Oatmeal Fudge Nut Bars

At our Valentine's Day Tea my friend, Shelly Brown, made this delicious dessert. She was kind enough to let me share it with you. These bars are delectably delicious. Warning  to those watching their weight: Make these only for company. That way you won't have any leftovers to gobble up later.


Crumb Mixture:
1 cup marg/butter
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. Salt
3 cups quick oats
Cream together butter & sugar. Add eggs & vanilla. Mix together flour, soda, salt, oatmeal and add. Mix till crumbly and set aside.

Fudge Nut Filling
2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
1 14oz. can Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 Tbsp. butter
2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup walnuts partially chopped

Heat first 3 ingredients in microwave until smooth, add vanilla & nuts. In bottom of greased 9x13 pan spread 2/3 of the crumb mixture.Spread filling over crust, then drop spoonfuls of remaining mixture on top of the chocolate. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.

Thank you, Shelly Brown! If you would like to submit a recipe e-mail it to apronarmor@yahoo.com.
Happy baking and don't forget your apron!