Peace in the New Year

The Simple Life
By Sheryl Simons
It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness

Peace in the New Year

Two days ago, Saddam Hussein was put to death. In this day and age – our progress of voice command computers, cell phones with cameras, automatic faucets - it is still the dogs and children we cannot control, that and insane dictators. The thought that the United Nations would not become involved with a man bent on destroying his own countrymen, is unthinkable.

When it became known that the former Iraquian dictator had reached his conclusion, Northern Michigan neighbors, who had fled Iraq with only the clothes on their backs, wept in relief. They felt that their homeland would never had progressed toward peace, even with the daily violence that we all deplore, had it not been for the invasion of peace-seeking troops. They are so thankful for the “Western Interference”, which they see as the only possibility that democracy could ever take root. They are discouraged by the ongoing violence, but hopeful that with continued help of self-sacrifice that has been shown to them, that one day Iraq may one day see peaceful streets.

I hope that the dreams for their birth-land comes true. Iraq is a Hatfields and McCoys gone bad. Where did the violence start? Who hit first? Memories of violence cannot be erased. When will the bleeding cease? Who will turn the first new leaf? How many generations will it take to soothe the wounds of the hearts? Forgiveness is the only answer for Iraq, just as it is for us. We can forgive, even when we will never forget.

A newscast recently showed a neighborhood in Bagdad that managed to survive the violence. They were Sunnis and Shiites living in peace, working to protect each other from the violence that threatened their little corner. They are friends, and love each other as neighbors should. We should be so lucky.

I hear of neighborhood skirmishes that shouldn’t be taking place. One farmer jumping another farmers lease. Kids not treating parents with respect. People taking advantage because they “could”.

Life is not fair. But just think if we as humans decided to live in peace. If we quit being in a hurry (which seems to cause much strife), and let others go first, treat each other with brotherly love and kindness, our world would indeed be a different place. We talk of peace in Iraq, yet teach our children that taking advantage is just “good business”. Peace must start at home, before we will ever have peace in our world. A well known business (Home Depot), has a motto, “Improve Everything We Touch”. Talk about home improvement! World peace starts at home. Next time you feel like yelling at the kids, give them a hug, take a time out. Give yourself a break. Take a deep breath. Talk to each other without raising your voice. Life is stressful enough. Don’t let it in your house. Try love – it really does work!

In this new year, may we all pray for peace, but even more, lets all improve everything we touch by setting an example for our children by doing the right thing, even if it is “old fashioned”! Pray for peace people everyone! Every life deserves to be lived in peace.

* * *

Simple Apple Spice Cake
2 c flour, 1 t cinnamon, 1 t nutmeg, 1 t allspice,1/2 t salt, 1 c butter, marg. or oil, 1 ½ c brown sugar, 4 eggs ,1 t baking soda, 1 T warm water,1 t vanilla, 3 apples - peeled, cored and chopped,1/2 c raisins, 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar for dusting
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 10 inch tube pan. Cover raisins with warm water, let soak for 10 minutes and then drain. Whisk together flour, spices, and salt. Set aside.
Cream together butter or margarine and sugar. Mix in eggs and vanilla. Stir together soda and 1 T warm water, and mix into the sugar mixture. Stir in flour mixture, apples, and strained raisins until well blended. Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until a tester comes out clean. If baking in a 9 X 13Cool in pan, cut baking time to 35 to 45 minutes. Once cool, shake pan to loosen cake. Turn onto plate, and dust with confectioners' sugar.
* * *
The world is a looking glass, and gives back to every man the reflection of his own face. Frown at it and it will in turn look sourly upon you; laugh at it and with it, and it is a jolly kind companion. ~~William Makepeace Thackeray

You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance.~~Franklin P. Jones


Keeping it Simple,
Sheryl


Please contact Sheryl with recipes, questions, comments and simple living ideas that work for you. Email: thesimple_life@yahoo.com
Join the online newsletter to print recipes and look up previous columns:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thesimple_life/