Figs with Mascarpone and Warm Spiced Honey


Figs contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are associated with healthy heart and brain function, and lutein, which aids vision. Nutritionists recommend figs for helping to lower blood cholesterol and blood pressure.

Ingredients


8 small (or 4 large) fresh, ripe figs, stems trimmed, halved lengthwise

1/3 cup mascarpone, softened

1/3 cup mild honey

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom

1/8 teaspoon ground allspice

4 sprigs fresh mint

Directions

1.Arrange the figs cut-side up among four plates. Use the back of a teaspoon to gently press into the center of the flesh and create a small indentation.

2.Add a dollop of mascarpone to the center of each fig half and set plates aside.

3.Place honey and spices in a small heat-proof bowl and set over a pan with simmering water. Cook over medium heat, whisking to blend, until the honey is liquefied and warm, 1 to 2 minutes. Drizzle honey over each fig, garnish plates with mint sprigs, and serve immediately.

The New King

The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool...Ps 110:1-7

Enemies Without Cause

They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause.  Ps 109:3

They had hurt him severely, Because of the injury they had done to him, it caused some to look upon him and shake their heads.

But he had not caused the enmity.  Instead, he had treated them kindly, but his love was recompensed with hate and his goodness was rewarded with evil.

This is not an uncommon reaction   enemies for no cause.

Here are the despicable reasons for it:

• Having what another likes may drive him to fight you.
• Holding to truth may alienate those who don't want it.
• Knowing something bad about a person makes him despise you.
• Being harmed by another tends to make him hate you.
• The feeling that you are a threat to one's job, honor or success may prompt him to detest you.
• An inferior person's trying to feel bigger or cleaner can cause him to disparage you.
• Seeking an outlet for frustration may move the frustrated to pick on you.
• The feeling that one is dependent on you may cause him to loathe you.

DAVID SPOKE OF ENEMIES HE HAD NOT CAUSED.

The Valiant

Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.  Ps 108:13

Bravery ~ How humanity loves it.  The world salutes the brave man, regardless of his weaknesses.  For bravery alone we're willing to pin a medal on him.  But the coward, though he has a thousand virtues, is held in contempt.  And justly so.  For his faintheartedness nullifies his excellencies.

A great deal of talent is lost to the world for the want of a little courage.

~Sydney Smith

O spirit of courage! what you can do for me!  In every hour of danger you can favor me in the struggle.

Fortune favors the brave.

~Virgil(70-19 B.C.)

In a world crowded with fears and dreads, anybody with a plan to generate a little more courage is welcome.

The surest place to find it, as David declared, is in God.

Worthless Help

Give us help from trouble for vain is the help of man.  Ps. 108:12

But to have God's help we must give up our exalted views of self-sufficiency and the mocking panaceas of others.  How many times have we depended on ourselves or others in vein.  And finally as a last resort, we turned to God for help.  Our God should not be the God of last resorts but often is.

We must become more settled in our dependence on God and ask for His assistance.

Amen!

Inspirational