Song of Hope

Last night I had the chance to attend a dramatic interpretation of the Last Supper at Celebrate Church (www.celebratesf.org) The premise is simple, coming from Matthew 26:

20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.” 22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely not I, Lord?” 23 Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” 25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “Yes, it is you.”

During the performance, each of the apostles told their story. You heard who they were, and most importantly, how they were called to follow Jesus. While I always hoped that I could be like John, the beloved one, I know I'm more like Thomas-the disciple who, whole steadfast, needs proof.


These things did Thomas hold for real:
The warmth of blood, the chill of steel,
the grain of wood, the heft of stone,
the last frail twitch of blood and bone.
His brittle certainties denied
That one could live when one had died,
until his fingers read like Braille
the markings of the spear and nail.
May we, O God, by grace believe
And, in believing, still receive
the Christ who held His raw palms out
and beckoned Thomas from his doubt.
(Thomas Troeger, 1984, Psalter/Hymnal of the Christian Reformed Church)

Despite being a Christian for as long as I can remember, I am not completely familiar with the apostle's back stories. I know their names and a few sketchy details. After last night, they came alive.

Living last supper, indeed.

Last weekend I was at my church convention in Pierre SD. One thing I need to note is a regionalism. If you lived outside SD, you might think that our state capitol would be pronounced pee-air, as in the francophone version of Peter. Alas, it is not pronounced that way. Instead, it is pronounced peer. This fact drives my son batty.
Back to the topic at hand: church convention. There was a presentation to the family of Margaret Hawk from the President of the House of Deputies for her devoted service to church & community. The best way to describe her is as a mother Theresa to the native American population. There were amazing quilts on display. My family came & we had a lovely time. Church ladies from all over the state brought very yummy cookies for us to munch on.
One such cookie was a sweet potato chocolate chip cookie that I couldn't stop eating.

I googled it because I had to try this cookie at home. This is the recipe I chose from http://www.fakefoodfree.com/2010/10/sweet-potato-chocolate-chip-cookies.html?m=1

Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup demerara sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
½ cup sweet potato, pureed
½ cup oat flour
¾ cup white whole wheat flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2/3 cup dark chocolate chips

Heat the oven to 375 degrees F. In a mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and mix until combined. Mix in the sweet potato.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flours, baking soda and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the mixing bowl. Scrap the sides and mix until everything is combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Place cookies by the teaspoon or tablespoon full onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are slightly browned. Remove from the oven, allow to rest 1 minute and then transfer to a cooling rack. Makes about 2 dozen cookies.