Telemachus

The handsome fellow seated in the second row of the ancient theatre located in Beit She'an is my man! No, there were no dramas portrayed and no gladiators to watch. However, the miniature stadium did seat 8,000 people. More importantly to Randy, Beit She'an is located near the eastern end of the Jezreel Valley and we could see John Deere tractors working the rich fields!

This theatre in Israel made me think of the huge Colosseum in Rome that seated 50,000 people. Until this week's Bible Study, I had never heard of Telemachus (also called Almachus or Almachius). In case you haven't either, I will tell you that according to Wikipedia, in the year 391, "Telemachus was a monk who tried to stop a gladiatorial fight in a Roman amphitheater and was stoned to death by the crowd." But it got the attention of Emperor Honorius who ENDED THE GAMES after Telemachus' death.

As I watched the news today and heard the historical ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade and I saw the crowds of young people with their murderous rage toward the lives of the five courageous Supreme Court justices who stand for righteousness in spite of their very lives being threatened, I was reminded of the brave monk, Telemachus, who stood alone against a crowd of 50,000 and changed a culture! I pray those five justices and all those who stand with them are the beginnings of a glorious culture change in our nation that will turn our country back to our Creator. And I pray for the protection of those Supreme Court Justices and their families.

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD." Psalm 33:12

A friend who made a difference in the lives of the children she helped at the local elementary school and really, everyone in the community, died in a car accident a week ago today. She is missed. I found a recipe she had given me many years ago and I made it in her honor.

Rita's Praline Pie

2 large graham cracker crust

1 C coconut

1 1/2 C chopped pecans

1/4 C butter

1 jar caramel ice cream topping

12 oz Cool Whip

8 oz cream cheese

1 can Eagle Brand milk

Chocolate syrup

In a small skillet, toast coconut and pecans together in butter to a light, golden brown.

Mix cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk together; fold in Cool Whip until smooth.

Divide in half. Put 1/4 cream cheese mixture into each pie crust. Spread coconut mixture over cream cheese mixture. Pour 1/2 caramel topping over each pie.

Repeat above step.

Drizzle chocolate syrup and rest of caramel mixture over top. Yum!

We love you, Rita!

By the way, Beit She'an means "house of security" or "house of rest". May our nation be a Beit She'an - a house of security and a house of rest!

The stage of the theater in Beit She'an, Israel.