Hubby and I went to see the new Tom Hanks’ movie Angels and Demons over the weekend. I’ve been eagerly awaiting its release since I first saw the teaser trailers months ago. I enjoyed reading Dan Brown’s books keeping in mind that they were FICTION (too many people got all hot and bothered over them, I think). Anyway, since I really liked the film version of The DaVinci Code, I put A & D on the top of my “to see” list. It was, in my opinion, enjoyable but not over the top. We saw it on a big screen which really helped with the scenery. Both of us kept leaning over and whispering, “We’ve been there.” Or, “We saw that!” It just makes me really want to go back to Rome soon. You can read some of our Italian adventure on this earlier post.
I started thinking about the angels and demons in my own life and decided that I would share some of those with you.
ANGELS
* FAMILY: Hubby, Perfect Daughter, Perfect Son-in-Law, and the REALLY Perfect Boy and Perfect Girl. (Yes, I know they aren’t really perfect, but they are perfect for me. 
Our daughter has and continues to be such a blessing. We’ve seen her and she’s seen us through lots of good times and some not-so-good ones as well. What I admire most about Emily is that she is her own person. Always has been and I hope always will be. She is so smart – I’m sure that all came from me! (or maybe not) What a good momma she is! I so love that even when she comes home from those long days and nights on call, her children are the center of her attention. Play games? Sure. Shoot two points? It’s what she has been wanting to do all day. Get out the jewelry and babies? Of course! Tom, the PSIL, is such an easy-going guy. They are truly complements for one another. He’s a great dad, too. 
I love that he and Hubby share so much enthusiasm for golfing and duck hunting. I’ve already written loads about the Perfect Ones, but let me just say that I have the cutest and bestest grandchildren that have ever existed:) Hubby. Well, he’s put up with me for almost forty years, and that is not an easy thing to do. He’s been my best friend and my rock. Then there’s my dad, my sister and her family, plus all of the great cousins. I definitely know how fortunate I am to have all of these angels in my life. Thank you God for my family.
*FRIENDS.
Who else but the friends who know you best would show up and surprise you at work on your birthday AND arrange to kidnap you for the rest of the day? Linda, Elaine, Sandra, Mary Lynn and Billie Ann have been there for me for so many years. We’ve grown up together as wives, mothers and grandmothers. I’ve taught and mothered their kids. They’ve loved mine in return. My life is certainly better because they are in it. My community excels because of what they give to it. I am blessed to know these angels.
*CHURCH AND FAITH. We joined First Baptist Church three months after moving here and have been there since. Dr. Bernes Selph was our first pastor there – what a man of God he was! Dickson Rial was a spinning top. He had more get up and go than the Energizer Bunny. Dr. Randel O’Brien went duck hunting with hubby and wrote about it in his book. Dr. Tommy Tutor baptized our daughter. Dr. Randall Everett and his wife, Sheila, lived next door to us. 
They were so much fun. I don’t have space to tell you about all of the practical jokes we pulled on each other. One had something to do with hanging whitey-tighties and bikini underwear from a clothesline which was visible to most of the neighborhood – but who am I to admit guilt to that! Dr. Rick Grant is our pastor now. I only wish that I had his commitment to God’s will. Our church has been an anchor in our lives. Our God has been our foundation and while we may fail Him, He has never failed us. Praise God for my church and my faith.
*LIFE AND HEALTH. I have a good and blessed life. I live in a nice home, in a nice neighborhood with wonderful neighbors, and in a terrific community. My job, as is Hubby’s, is secure. The basic necessities of life – food, clothing and shelter – are not lacking. The bills get paid, and I don’t worry about where 
my next meal is coming from. My health is good. I need to lose some weight and get back to a good exercise program, but I can do whatever I want (except maybe back flips on the trampoline). My aches and pains are few and very far between. Thank God for the angels of good health and a good life.
And, yes, there are demons as well. Perhaps on another day…
Dear God,
Thank you for the blessed angels in my life, for your Son, and for my salvation. May you continue to lift me up when the demons try to take over. Amen
Here a little temptation, but I don’t think it comes close to being a demon. It’s just delicious.
Grilled Chicken and Pecan Salad
4 servings
3 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
1/2 cup apple cider
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon walnut oil
2 cups torn arugula, rinsed and dried
1 1/2 cups mixed salad greens, rinsed
1 cup thinly sliced Belgian endive
1 Granny Smith apple, cored and thinly sliced
1/4 cup pecans, toasted
Spray the grill or broiler rack with nonstick spray; prepare the grill or preheat the broiler. Grill or broil the chicken 5 inches from the heat, turning occasionally until cooked through, 10-12 minutes. Let cool. Thinly slice on the diagonal.
Bring the cider to a boil in a small saucepan and cook until it is reduced by two-thirds, about 5 minutes. Transfer the cider to a bowl; add the vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, and thyme. Gradually whisk in the oil.
Combine the arugula, mixed greens, and endive in a large bowl; add the apple and half of the dressing and gently toss to coat. Arrange the salad on plates and top with the chicken and pecans. Drizzle the chicken with the remaining dressing and serve at once.
Note: I like to sprinkle each serving with a tablespoon of feta, gorgonzola, or bleu cheese.
From Great Cooking Every Day
