People are Inherently Good

This post has been brewing in my brain for weeks, before Boston and before someone sent poisoned letters to politicians, yes. But we have been here before: 9/11, Newtown, Columbine. Terrible things happen in this country and all over the world that boggle my brain to the point that it feels like I'm playing Perfection (remember that game?) and someone has fiddled with the timer and I only have two short seconds to try to make all of the pieces fit.

They don't fit. We all ask why and I honestly believe that we will never know. Life isn't an episode of Criminal Minds or Law & Order. It can't be wrapped up in a pretty television 45 minute story line. I wish with my whole heart that it could.

With all of the terrifying things we see and hear it often amazes me how some people can have such strong faith in God. I have often been a skeptic because there are just too many things that seem to lead me away from religion but lately more than ever I have realized that while I don't agree with the politics of religion, I do have faith.  Faith in humanity and faith in their being an element of life beyond our control.

The last two days I spent at the Michigan Chapter of the National Children's Alliance annual conference in Traverse City. I was able to attend sessions with world renowned speakers. To say it was an excellent experience is putting it lightly. Many moments throughout the presentations inspired me, but yesterday a presenter said something that sunk deep into my soul.

Olga Trujillo had a TRAUMATIC childhood (join me in reading her book "The Sum of my Parts") but has done tremendous healing. She vocalized that she still gets nervous telling certain parts of her story and a major one is that she was angry with God.

Her realization in recovery is what spoke to me. I am sure this is not a direct quote because I couldn't write quick enough but she said something like:

"I began to understand free will...God is not a person who makes bad things happen to people. People have free will and do bad things. God brought good people into my life to help with the bad."

Powerful.  This woman was able to find the good in others when terrible things were happening to her in her home. After both Newtown and Boston I saw the Mr. Rogers quote about looking for the helpers during a crisis passed frequently around the internet.

But what I've realized in the past few weeks is that if you really want to see the good in humanity, you have to look for the helpers all day every day. For the man who sees you struggling with you grocery bags and without hesitation helps you to your car. To the Starbucks barista who, even though it is an incredibly early hour, serves you with a genuine smile and "have a great day, hun!" We need to stop looking for the bad in others and being fearful of it but search for that good. It is not hard to see when you are open to it. And it might just start to restore your faith.

From My Kitchen: Spaghetti Squash "Lasagna" Bake

Over the weekend my husband graciously baked up our first ever spaghetti squash. Holy smokes is it delicious! (In case you don't know how to bake a spaghetti squash, check out this link here!)  The first day we ate just one half of the fake spaghetti with some good old 4 cheese red sauce. We then wrapped up the other half for later.

This morning as I was cleaning our shower I was thinking about ricotta cheese. I had some left from the best frosting I've ever made (will post that recipe soon too!) and although I could just eat it from the container I figured I should probably go the grown-up route and make something presentable for lunch. That's when I remembered the squash. And lasagna. And spinach. And I just started measuring everything out and making a mini squash lasagna! And it was sooo good, and filling. And may just make it again tomorrow!

Spaghetti Squash "Lasagna" Bake

1 1/2-2 cups leftover spaghetti squash
1/2 cup spaghetti sauce of your choice
2 tablespoons chopped onion
1 cup baby spinach
2 teaspoons EVOO
1/4 cup lowfat ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350º. Shred spaghetti squash to make your fake noodles, foodles if you will. In a small frying pan add oil and sauté onions. Once they start browning add spinach and cook it down. You can add some spices if you like (salt and pepper and anything that smells good) while they are cooking.

In a large ramekin add a layer of spaghetti squash followed by half the sauce then your spinach and onions. Add another layer of squash then your ricotta cheese. Add the rest of your sauce and sprinkle the parmesan cheese on top.

Bake for 15 minutes or until sauce is bubbling. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 mintes or so.

This recipe is only 6 points for all of its cheesy, saucey goodness! And now I'm in love with spaghetti squash...in the wrong season. 

If you make it and tweak the recipe let me know, I would love to make another yummy spaghetti squash recipe!