The Lily Letters

"Nassarah." In Arabic, this means "Christian." To mark homes and businesses of known Christians, the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS) spray-paints the Arabic letter "N" as they threaten an ultimatum: convert to Islam or residents will pay the price. The Arabic letter "N" in red I cannot help but recall that there was a similar situation in Nazi Germany. Men, women, and children forced to wear yellow stars upon their clothes...tattoos with their serial numbers...off to an "uncertain" death. Or perhaps another one in the American South. Unfit outhouses deep in mud with the sign "Colored." It is true that history repeats itself. Christianity is the most persecuted religious group worldwide, likely because it is the largest. However, on average, 322 Christians are killed each month for their faith somewhere in the world. (Source: Open Doors USA) Beyond death, Christians globally face mutilation, rape, beatings, tor...

Happy Fall!! I love October and just the fall season in general. The weather becomes cooler, I get to bust out my scarves, and hot beverages abound. The other thing I love about fall…. All the tasty treats! I absolutely love to cook, and baking… ahhh… baking is my therapy! I thought since the kitchen is such a huge part of my life, I would share some of my favorite fall recipes with my SAO sisters, friends and family! First up, Crockpot Applesauce! I wish I could take full credit for this one, but I found it on www.skinnytaste.com (side note, if you haven’t already, you need to check her website out!!) Put this easy peasy recipe together and enjoy an amazing smelling kitchen that will rival your favorite fall candle! Crock Pot Applesauce 8 medium apples (Use a combination of Golden Delicious, Honey Crisp, Fuji, Gala, etc.) 1 strips of lemon peel - use a vegetable peeler 1 tsp fresh lemon juice 3 inch cinnamon stick 5 tsp light brown sugar (unpacked) - or agave P...