Comfort Food

Being "single" (I hate using that term) again, I've had to learn how to cook for myself. I'm not all that creative, but I do enjoy seeing how I put my own stamp on an old favorite. Here's a recipe I developed last night, and it turned out excellently:

Timotheus' Hearty Meatloaf
(reduced sodium)
adapted from a old recipe with modifications inspired by Alton Brown

1 pound ground chuck
1 pound ground sirloin
3/4 c. uncooked oatmeal (quick or old-fashioned)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 c. catsup
1/4 c. milk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp. ground black pepper
1 Tbsp. prepared horseradish
------
1/2 c. catsup
3 Tbsp. dark brown sugar
2 tsp. prepared spicy brown mustard
1 Tbsp. prepared horseradish

Combine the first 9 ingredients in a large bowl. Combine thoroughly, but avoid compressing the meat.
Use a large loaf (10 inch) loaf pan to mold the loaf shape.
Onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, turn the meatloaf out of the pan onto the center of the tray.
(Alternatively, use two small (7.5") loaf pans.)
Bake at 350F degrees for 40 minutes.

Combine the last 4 ingredients; spoon over meat loaf and bake 15 more minutes (or until meat thermometer registers 155F degrees.)

Sodium content: 400mg/serving

"Ye have heard of the patience of Job..." James 5:11

I've been reading the Psalms a lot recently, but somehow this morning, I ended up in the book of Job. When I went through my lymphoma treatments seven years ago, I read through Job; it was the first time that I really started understanding the book, or at least the first time it spoke to me. (My cancer verse was Job 23:10: "But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.")

Anyway, the verse that stood out to me was Job 13:15: "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him..." I think I can honestly say that. I almost wish that God would take me away from all this, because I feel so dead and empty inside. I have my children to live for, but I really can't think of much else that would keep me here.

Sorry, but I just can't write any more right now.

A Grief Observed

Let me introduce myself. I'm going to call myself Timotheus. Although that's not my actual name, I've been called it a time or two. I hope it's appropriate, as it means "One who honors God," and that's what I hope my life does.

I'm starting to blog here as a form of therapy, I guess. I lost my wife last week after a 2 year battle with colon cancer. I suppose you could say we are fortunate, if anyone can be fortunate in such a situation. When someone is diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer, the life expectancy is usually only a few months, even with aggressive treatment. My wife and I had two years together after she was diagnosed.

This is about all I can comment right now. I have so much to say, but so little strength to actually say it.

I think I'll close with the lyrics to a song by Fernando Ortega, from which I took the title of this blog:

When the morning falls on the farthest hill,
I will sing His name, I will praise Him still.
When dark trials come and my heart is filled
With the weight of doubt, I will praise Him still.

For the Lord our God, He is strong to save
From the arms of death, from the deepest grave.
And He gave us life in His perfect will,
And by His good grace, I will praise Him still.