Andrew the Apostle and So Much More

Today is National Mississippi Day. The first state I ever learned to spell thanks to that silly little song – a song I can’t even remember now. It’s also Mousse Day (oh yum) and Shop Small Business Saturday.

Thanksgiving marks the start of the Christmas Season for so many. Box up the leftovers and start decorating the tree, right? The Saturday after Thanksgiving we are encouraged to shop in the smaller stores, those that count on Holiday Shoppers to make their year. Hubby and I like to attend Christmas Markets filled with Cottage Industry Crafters on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We always find a one-of-a-kind treasure and it’s nice to be a part of small town communities. This year we’re driving up to Nevada City to attend their Christmas Fair with our son and our great-grand daughter. So excited!

Today is also the Feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle. Andrew was the brother of Simon-Peter. He was initially a disciple of John the Baptist. According to the Gospel of John, Andrew at once recognized Jesus as the Messiah. He knew in his heart who Jesus was long before Christ chose to reveal His divine nature. Andrew was anxious to introduce his brother to the long awaited Christ. When Jesus met them at the shore of the Sea of Galilee, He called them together to become Fishers of Men. To be a high-profile follower of Christ meant almost certain death at the hands of those who had the most to loose – their power, their control. Being a Christian then and now requires a complete surrender of self. Those in power have more to sacrifice. While a Christian is not a true threat to their power, a true Christian stands as a reminder of God’s Truth. God’s Truth is the real threat to those not yet ready to shed their selfish ways for the Glory and Honor of the One True God. Shredding our selfish ways is something every Christian struggles with. There are times when we shout to the heavens “What about me? When is it my turn, Lord?” It’s okay to have doubts and struggles. Just know, as Andrew knew, that Christ is waiting with an outstretched hand. And we are surrounded by inspiration in others to light our way home.

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Louisiana Hot Links with Fried Potatoes
6 to 8 medium Russet Potatoes
1 lb Hot Link Sausage
1/2 Yellow Onion
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 tablespoon Butter
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste

Wash potatoes, slice into rounds. Place in a bowl, cover with about an inch of lightly salted water. Let potatoes soak to remove some of the starch.

While the potatoes soak, cut hot lings into coin-cut rounds. Cut onion from root to tip. Reserve half for another purpose, peed and slice remaining half into slivers.

In a large skillet, heat oil with butter. Once warmed, drain potatoes and spread out in the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Let cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally to prevent burning. Add onion slivers, stir to combine and let cook another 5 minutes, until potatoes are tender.

Add sausage coins, cover and cook until heated through, about 8 minutes, turning mid-way through. Serve straight from the skillet and enjoy.

Warning: That first bite won’t seem very spicy-hot. The heat of the sausage will creep up on you, so have something cool to drink on hand.

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The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.