Bah Humbug

As the familiar Christmas song goes, "Tis the season to spend money, fa la la la la la la la la..." Ok, so maybe it doesn't go quite like that but lately that's the version I've been hearing in my head. From Christmas presents to parties it seems like there is always something else requiring the usage of my well-worn debit card and dwindling bank account. And unfortunately at times like this my inner scrooge appears and makes me wish I had more, more, more while finding myself becoming envious of those who do. Then this morning I read something in my Bible that reminded me more money will never be what I need.

In Psalm 49, verses 16 through 19, the psalmist wrote, "Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him. Though while he lived he counted himself blessed--and men praise you when you prosper--he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light of life."

Yikes, "never see the light of life," can you imagine? So often we think people who have an abundance of wealth are "living the life" but according to this passage the life they are living does not compare to the life Christ's offers and many people who appear to have it all will never actually experience the greatness or 'light of life'! Obviously this is not about wealthy Christians who have chosen Christ because wealth does not exclude us from Heaven, it's about those who allow their wealth to hinder them from depending on the Lord for their salvation and just as money will not exclude you from Heaven, it will not guarantee you a spot there either. All the money in the world could not buy the 'light of life'.

So while I was thinking I needed more, God gently reminded me that a more thankful attitude and a better understanding of the riches I have in His son is what I really need. More Him, less me.

You don't have to be rich to afford dinner tonight...pulled pork quesadillas with cilantro-lime sour cream and black bean and corn salad.

Pulled Pork Quesadillas
1 (2-3 lb) Boston butt roast
Salt
Pepper
Garlic Salt
Chili Powder
Ground Cumin
1/2 to 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
8 flour tortillas
2 cups monteray jack cheese, shredded

Place pork roast in crock pot and sprinkle generously with spices on all sides. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until pork shreds easily with a fork. Remove from crock pot and shred. Add bbq sauce and set aside. On a flour tortilla place enough pulled pork to cover the bottom leaving about 1/2 inch along the edges. Top with cheese and another tortilla. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Heat large skillet over medium heat. Cook quesadillas 2-3 minutes on each side until light brown and cheese is melted. Serve with cilantro-lime sour cream.

Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
juice from 1 lime
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup sour cream

Mix well and chill until ready to serve.

Black Bean and Corn Salad
2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained
2 cans whole kernel corn, drained
1 green pepper, chopped
3 plum tomatoes, chopped
1 medium red onion, chopped
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp fresh lime juice
1/2 tsp ground cumin
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro

Mix all ingredients and chill until ready to serve.