Come Sail Away

Today is National Lighthouse Day. For those of you who have been around a while, you know that I love lighthouses. When I was younger, my fantasy was to be an old lady living alone on an island somewhere. Not a tropical island, but someplace cold and foggy. Just me, my lighthouse and three or four large dogs.

I know it sounds crazy, to grow old alone. Who in their right mind would want such a thing? I knew that while such a life of isolation might appear to an onlooker as lonely, I would not be alone. The Lord would be there with me. And in that solitude, I could better hear His voice. I now know that He had other plans.

I still want the dogs. And while I prefer the dampness of the Pacific Northwest, I wouldn’t mind a small farm in Tennessee. Providing, of course, that it be shrouded in a mountain mist. There’s a quiet in a misty morning, just as there is a strange stillness in falling snow. In those moments when the world seems to be standing still the Lord speaks from His loving heart to our hungry souls, longing to be near Him. We just need to be still, and to listen.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways acknowledge Him
And He will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Happy are those who find wisdom,
And those who get understanding,
For her income is better than silver,
And her revenue better than gold.
She is more precious than jewels,
And nothing you desire can compare with her.
Proverbs 3:13-15

When you trust in God for guidance, all that you do will lead to success. But not the success that is measured by man’s foolish understanding of success. It’s not the house you live in, the car you drive, the money in your bank account. No, it is far greater than any of this. No words can describe the abundant wealth of joy, peace and contentment God has in mind for each of us.

This does not mean smooth sailing. Far from it. But when the storms of life wash over us, there is peace in the knowledge that He is with us. In the eye of the storm there is calm. He is that calm.

The Lord is my lighthouse.

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American Style Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki
For the Chicken:
8 boneless Chicken Thighs
1/4 cup Olive Oil
2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon Minced Garlic
1 teaspoon crushed Oregano
Salt to taste
White Pepper to taste

In a bowl combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt and pepper. Whisk to blend. Add the chicken thighs, turning several times to coat. Cover, refrigerate and let marinate for at least 30 minutes or longer. Remember; the longer it marinates, the deeper the flavors.

While the chicken marinated, make the Tzatziki Sauce.

For the Tzatziki Sauce
1/2 Cucumber
1-1-2 tablespoons Minced Garlic
1 cup Sour Cream
1 tablespoon Lemon juice
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
Fresh Dill to taste
Herbes de Provence to taste
Salt to taste
White Pepper to taste

Cut cucumber in half. Set half aside for later. Peel remaining half, then grate finely. Squeeze out as much water as possible from the cucumber. Dry on paper towels.

In a bowl mix together sour cream, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice olive oil, Herbes, snips of fresh dill, salt and pepper. Chill well until ready to use.

For the Gyros
6 Pita Breads
1/2 small Red Onion
1/2 Cucumber
1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes

Wrap pita bread in foil. Heat oven to 300 degrees. Warm bread, keep warm until ready to assemble.

Cut onion in half, reserve half for another purpose. Peel and thinly slice remaining half. Peel the reserved half of a cucumber, slice as thin as possible. Dice tomatoes into quarter pieces. Set the vegetables aside.

Cook Chicken Thighs:
Heat a grill to medium heat. Sear the chicken thighs for about 2 minutes per side for that grilled flavor. Transfer to a cast iron skillet, let thighs continue to cook about 5 minutes per side. Slice into strips, return to skillet (including any drippings) and heat through.

Assemble the Gyros:
Spread warmed Pita Bread with the Tzatziki Sauce. Add the sliced chicken, red onions, cucumbers and tomatoes. Roll or fold Pita Bread over the filling. Serve immediately or wrap in foil to keep warm.

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Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD;
let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving;
let us joyfully sing psalms to Him.