Remembrance and Celebration

By Renee Giza

Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

After reading the whole chapter of Nehemiah 8 I find that though it was a time of repentance and recommitment it was also meant to be a time of celebration. The Israelites had spent nearly 100 years as a broken and scattered people. Once Nehemiah stepped in and saw to gathering the Israelites back together and fortifying their city, there was a myriad of emotions from repentance, to celebration. Memorial Day for many has become just another floating holiday. What better time of year to reflect upon the difficult sacrifices our military has made as well as the comfort and joy of our safety because of it. As a military family, we have a unique perspective directly related to this day. So let this Memorial Day be a time of remembrance, a time to educate our children of its special significance, and a time of celebration. Some might say why celebrate what seems like such a solemn day. There are so many reasons to rejoice. First and foremost, our Lord and Savior is our greatest defender! He guides our troops both at home and on foreign land. He fortifies our Nation with strong “walls” just as He led Nehemiah to fortify the Israelite’s walls. Most importantly “the joy of the Lord is your (our) strength.” Neh. 8:10.

With Memorial Day being considered the unofficial start of the BBQ season, what better “choice” food to share than Potato Salad. Many years ago, I came up with my own recipe for a killer potato salad. It is very good. I’m not trying to brag, however it has turned the hearts of people who do not necessarily care for potato salad! LOL! Now this is not a low fat recipe gals, however do not despair because I also have a wonderful light dessert that just might redeem those points for you! Ha-Ha! Talk about a role reversal, a dessert that is the guilt free part of the meal. You’ll have to stop by my blog to pick up that dessert recipe however. (It’ll be in the “Recipe” section on the right side bar.) While you are there let me know how you liked the potato salad. Enjoy!

Popular Potato Salad:

Serves 6+ (tailor up or down as needed)

• 7 potatoes (washed, peeled, quartered and boiled fork tender)
• 7 hard boiled eggs (diced after cooled)
• Bacon bits (pre-cooked and packaged works great)
• Small can sliced black olives
• Parmesan Cheese 2 TBSP
• Sweet Relish 2 TBSP
• 2 Green Onions sliced
• 1 clove minced garlic (you can use garlic powder, but fresh is best)
• 1 cup mayo
• 2 TBSP Prepared yellow mustard
• Splash of Lemon Juice
• 1 tsp Oregano
• 1 tsp Parsley
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Dash Paprika

After boiling potatoes add to a bowl to cool, while you prepare the other ingredients. Using a potato masher or ricer very lightly smash some of the potatoes. The consistency should still be a little chunky. Add a splash of lemon juice to potatoes and stir. (This will serve a two fold purpose, to keep the potatoes color and to keep them from absorbing all the dressing too quickly.) Set aside. Once your eggs are hard boiled, quickly add them to a bowl of cold water, this will keep the inside a nice bright yellow color. Set aside.

Now on to the dressing mix. Add all the other ingredients, bacon bits thru parsley. Mix well. After potatoes and eggs are cooled add to dressing mixture blend well, then add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with a sprinkle of Paprika. Don’t forget to stop by my blog to pick up that delicious dessert at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/ButterFly4Him/

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