Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Tabbouleh & A Time To Rest...


"Take rest;
a field that has rested
gives a bountiful crop"
~ Ovid

Session Four of the Live Deliciously series zeros in on the meal
that Jesus had with Matthew the Tax Collector (Mark 2:13-28).
It's no secret that we live in a culture drawn to controversy,
we're mesmerized by the unorthodox & the unusual.
Perhaps that's what makes this text so fascinating.
If tabloids were reporting in that day, Jesus would make the front page
Talk about radical...from the company He kept, to the words that He spoke, to the claims that He made;
Ruffling feathers wherever He went, rebuking the religious, challenging the status quo...

Carmen Camino delivered a compelling message that complimented
the week's homework perfectly. While there is much that can be said about each of the powerful truths
she presented, the one segment that echoed in my heart was titled "a time to rest."

Sweet Bellas, we fill our schedules to the brim, hoping to accomplish all that we can, but in reality, what we really need is rest.
She said "extreme busy-ness makes us stop caring about the things we care about." 
Such a powerful statement. We can often become so consumed with things that lead us away
from that which we love the most, even when we have the best intentions.

I've been on a personal journey of my own the last two years.
One of simplifying, of making more time for "more time" and living more fully.
It has been nothing short of invigorating, deeply meaningful, NECESSARY, and
I cannot begin to express what an impact it's had in my life, and the lives of those around me.
I think that's why this segment touched me so intensely, because those truths ring fresh in my ears.
It reminded me of a quote that I've shared in a previous post, but it's certainly worth repeating:

"The ability to simplify 
means to eliminate the unnecessary 
so that the necessary may speak" 
~ Hans Hoffman

If we really take a step back, 
is there something we can simplify in our own lives 
to make time to enter into the rest that our souls so desperately need?
I believe the answer is yes.

She hit the nail on the head when she said we are:
Over-saturated
Over-loaded
Over-whelmed
Over-worked 
Over-committed 

and that His presence is the ONLY place we can:
RE-store
RE-vive
RE-flect
RE-lax
and
RE-new.

My spirit leaped within when she said:  
"when we rest, we experience the aroma of eternity."
I just love that!!!!!!
And I find myself instantly at peace just thinking on the implications of that statement.

When I think of the opening quote in today's post, I can't help but smile....we have so much more to give when we have rested,
and those around us will be the recipients of that bounty; they will taste the goodness of Christ, and it will leave them hungry for more.

And so without further ado, I share the recipe that's been given to me for Tabbouleh. 
Would you believe I've never had Tabbouleh before? It's true. 
I love every ingredient in this recipe, so I had no doubt that I would love the flavors.
 There were no disappointments once again, every ingredient came together
in a burst of flavors that even my husband liked! 
This is such a great garnish for a sandwich,
which is exactly what we used it for.
We spread this on top of our lebanese bread and threw on some 
lamb and feta cheese....it was sheer perfection!
one disclaimer: i used flat leaf parsley since that was all I had,
not sure if curly leaf is more customary, but either way
this is a keeper!
Tabbouleh
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients: 
1 cup of bulgur
1 1/2 cups boiled water
10 sprigs parsley, chopped
1/2 bundle mint, chopped
1 medium sized onion, chopped
1 cucumber, seeded and chopped
2 fresh and firm tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
juice of one freshly squeezed lemon
pinch of sea salt to taste.

Instructions:
1. Add the bulgur to the bowl, and pour in boiled water. Water level should be 1/2 an inch above the bulgur,
2.Put the plate on top of the bowl and soak the bulgur in water for 15 minutes, until they swell in size.
3. Mix the bulgur in a bowl together with other ingredients. Enjoy!

14 comments:

  1. What a beautiful Tabbouleh! I love the simplicity of it and it really is a refreshing dish...goes perfectly with your message. I love that quote too....the aroma of eternity! Bella, I hope you have time for rest with all that is on your plate these days! One thing for sure...your plate is filled with bountiful blessings :)! Celebrating LIFE with you! xo

    ReplyDelete
  2. Bravo Bella! It's amazing to think about the fact that Jesus had SO much he wanted to accomplish and only had three years in which to do it, yet he still pulled back on a regular basis just for this reason. Thank you for the reminder.

    Your tabbouleh is beautiful. I grew up on the stuff and have to admit that I'm not a fan. I love the flavors, but cold grains (especially bulghur) just don't do it for me. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a beautiful post. And so true. I love the idea of living simply so the most important things can really speak. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. A much needed message for me tonight. Very timely! The tabbouleh is beautiful. I haven't had it for years and I need to change that. Thanks so much for sharing so beautifully. I pray you are finding rest and peace this night.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Again a lovely post...and your tabbouleh looks perfect, such glorious flavors! I imagine that it would have be perfect with your gorgeous bread, lamb and feta :)
    Hope you are well and have had a lovely weekend...hugs :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Amen! I always leave your posts feeling rejuvenated. You speak such truth. This is a beautiful salad from a beautiful woman with a beautiful family and view on life. Thank you for writing yet another wonderful post. I hope you have a joy-filled and relaxing weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love the message and the recipe. It's time to slow down..

    ReplyDelete
  8. I always need the reminder to relax...thank you! I wanted to let you know that you won my holiday card Shutterfly giveaway! If you could please e-mail me, I'll get you the codes :) sarah@bakingserendipity.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh, my gosh...sweet bella, I totally missed your post from two weeks ago. Now,I will put your blog on my blog list, so I can see it at a glance!
    I do hope you and your precious baby are both doing fine. I hope you will be better soon!

    Your tabbouleh, is exactly the way I make mine, parsley, and mint is a must, and also the little diced pieces of cucumbers, as well. So healthy, and delicious, with all the pretty bright colors!

    I've been so wrapped up with my life, and my little corner of my world, that I have not contacted you since you had your precious new born son. I apologize for that. It's not always an excuse for giving someone their "space" at a time like that, but to at least ask how they are?
    Big hugs, and kisses!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sweet Bella,
    I'm hoping rest is indeed what you are doing. I imagine just resting your eyes on your little gifts must be enough to rejuvinate you. I'm ready for a little rest myself. I'll be thinking about you and your family and hoping you have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving.
    -Gina-

    ReplyDelete
  11. I just wanted to pop in and wish you and family a very happy holiday!
    Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love the list of "over's" and "re's." I need to print that off as a reminder to "rest and experience the aroma of eternity"~ Perfectly said. I hope you and your sweet family had a wonderful, relaxing Thanksgiving! I am thankful for YOU!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Jaime bella! I am so happy that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and you spent quality time with your sweet little family, setting up the Christmas tree, singing Carols, and cuddling!
    Sounds like the perfect plan with your loved ones!
    Big Hugs,

    ReplyDelete
  14. You're so right about finding time to rest. That quote about "extreme busy-ness makes us stop caring about the things we care about" rings so true. When doing things you love just gets shoved in along with a whole series of chores, it's hard to stop and enjoy it. Hope you have plenty of time this week to stop and enjoy some quiet time. :)

    ReplyDelete

AddThis

Share |
Related Posts with Thumbnails