** "An Allegory of Prudence" ...

In his painting "An Allegory of Prudence," the 16th-century Venetian artist Titian portrayed Prudence as a man with three heads. One head was of a youth facing the future, another of a mature man eyeing the present, and the third, a wise old man gazing at the past. Over their heads Titian wrote a Latin phrase that means, "From the example of the past, the man of the present acts prudently so as not to imperil the future."

We need that kind of wisdom to overcome the anxiety created by our past failures and the fear of repeating them in the future - an anxiety that can keep us from enjoying life to the fullest right now.

Paul was able to "forget" his past and anticipate his future (Phil. 3:13-14). This doesn't mean that his memory was erased; it means that because God had forgiven him, Paul was free of any guilt or pride he may have felt from his past. As he lived in daily fellowship with Christ, trials could only make him more like his Savior, So he had one driving passion - to know Christ better.

As we close the chapter of the year, let's rededicate ourselves to Christ next year and follow Paul's example. Jesus will enable us to live fully in the present as we gain wisdom from the past and face the future with courage. DJD

Lord, I'm standing at the door
Of this new untarnished year;
Help me to live it all for Thee,
Use me in Thy service here. - McAllaster.

"I press toward the goal . . . , join in following my example. - Philippians 3:14,17.

NEVER LET A BLEAK PAST CLOUD A BRIGHT FUTURE !!!

** "THIS much I know .. !" **

ITA BUTTROSE

'The respected media icon shares her hard-won wisdom.'

"ONE of my first editors gave me these words for inspiration;
* Life's rewards appear at the end and not the beginning of the journey.
* There is no way I can forsee how many steps it will take me to reach my goal.
* I will always take one more step. If this doesn't work I will take another and another.
* One step at a time is not so difficult. I will persevere."

* "A Year IN Provence" .. SANDWICH !!

SERVES 2

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
1 teaspoon dried basil, crumbled
1 tablespoon water
1/4 cup pitted black olives, sliced
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
8 to 12 spinach leaves
2 French rolls, split
4 ounces low-fat mozzarella cheese, sliced
2 plum tomatoes, sliced

HEAT the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. ADD onion, oregano, and basil and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. ADD the water, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes. REMOVE from the heat and stir in the olives and Parmesan.

ARRANGE 2 or 3 spinach leaves on bottom half of each French roll. Spoon HALF the onion mixture onto each, top with the cheese slices, and then the tomato slices. ARRANGE the remaining spinach leaves on top and then the tops of the rolls. CUT in half to serve.

(* Enjoy your visit !)