mommyluvsliz

While L and I were at the doctor's office yesterday there was a mother with her young son and it was quite obvious that she was in distress. She needed to make an appointment for her little one to recieve a follow up injection (malady unknown to me). The problem was that she could not afford the co-pay that was required by her insurance company. The doctor's office is very strict regarding payment regardless of how long or loyal one is as a patient and they are not shy about denying those in need. Even those who may suffer greatly without care. The nurses simply send them off without so much as a suggestion as to where to go for treatment (more on that in a later post). I had to follow her into the hallway and offer my help and advice even though I realized that it may not be welcomed. I found out that her ex-husband had abused her and left her with disabilities that limited her mobility (she walked with a very noticeable limp). She is currently gainfully employed but she struggles to pay rent,buy food etc. She recieves no support from her ex husband and while it had intitially seemed that her primary concern was finding medical care for her young son it became apparent after speaking with her for a few moments that mostly she was filled with rage toward her former spouse. Understandable, I know, but I feel deeply that until she can surrender her anger she will never be able to move forward. This was the impetus for today's post. I hope that she finds peace...

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May today there be peace within.
May you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be....
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you....
May you be content knowing you are a child of God....
Let this presence settle into our bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of you....

Saint Theresa

We spent the Fourth at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Military Training Station. Amazing fireworks (alas, no photos) and alot of patriotism.

8 cups peeled, seeded, and diced ripe papaya (about 1 very large or 8 small)
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup "lite" coconut milk, divided
2 tablespoons lime juice, divided
1 teaspoon lime zest, divided
2 pinches of salt

1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Arrange diced papaya in a single layer and freeze overnight.
2. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved and syrupy, 3 to 5 minutes. Pour the syrup into a glass measuring cup and let cool for 15 minutes. Remove the papaya from the freezer to defrost while the syrup is cooling.
3. Transfer half the frozen papaya to a food processor. Add half the syrup, 2 tablespoons coconut milk, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon lime zest, and a pinch of salt. Pulse two or three times, then process until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides and stir as necessary. Transfer the sorbet to a large serving bowl. Repeat with the remaining ingredients; add to the serving bowl. Serve immediately or freeze until ready to use.

Yield: 8 servings
Nutrition information (per 3/4 cup): 110 calories; 1 g fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 27 g carbohydrate; 1 g protein; 3 g fiber; 43 mg sodium.
Nutrition bonus: Provides 150 percent of your daily value of vitamin C; 30 percent of your daily value of vitamin A; and 14 percent of your daily value of folate.