This song is so inspirational to me! It speaks of loving others around us, but to me it also serves as a reminder to be actively seeking to be a representative of Jesus Christ to all those around me. The chorus of the song has been written and composed in a way that touches me deeply, because I feel like my faith in God is sometimes tightly held in a personal way, but just like a lit candle, I can't really serve a greater purpose unless my light is uncovered and out of hiding. As a stay-at-home Mom, it can be even more difficult to have an active, growing spiritual life. Finding time to read the Bible, reflect, and pray, is pretty difficult. I recently made a new personal goal to read, even just a few verses, from the Bible everyday! I want to grow spiritually, and I believe the way to do that is to nourish my spiritual life through connection with God. There are so many ways to connect with God, but reading His Word, the Bible is one of the very best ways. Praying to Him, talking to Him and asking Him for help is another way to grow closer to Him. It reminds me of a dating relationship, which without communication, give-and-take, it is likely to end. The society we live in has so many ways to fill up our time, which leaves very little "quiet" time to connect with God and focus on His plan for us--which ultimately involves us going to heaven with Him to end all the sin, pain, and death on this earth. I want that, I don't want my only "life" to be lived here on this sin-filled earth. That is so so so much less than the AMAZING, AWESOME eternal life God has planned and prepared for us. Reading the Bible and praying should never be a forced activity, if we are seeking to be in a relationship with God, then we will love to spend time with Him, just like we love to spend time with our family and closest friends. That's not to say we shouldn't put some effort into it, because we will have to--just like it takes effort to plan fun familiy gatherings, find quality time for our friends, and make nice food and other special things for our families. But, we do these things out of love for our family and friends, and so whenever we commit to spend time with God, we do that out of love for Him also. Now, let me get back to what I was saying about that song "Open Arms". I need to be growing spiritually, and have a healthy spiritual life in order to have anything to offer those around me. If I'm a bread salesperson, but don't have any bread, that won't work. I want to follow the verse that says, "Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4) I have felt that my spiritual life has gone through a roller coaster, with being a new Mom and all that comes with this wonderful new role, it's been hit and miss with taking in spiritual food. I am making more specific efforts now, and I pray that God will help me to be drawn closer and closer to Him. Then, as I try to have what the song says, "Open Arms" to all those around me, I can reflect Jesus, because I have spent time with Him, surrendering to Him and asking for Him to live in my heart. One more thought for today, I like to watch the Today show on NBC in the mornings sometimes, and they have all these experts on their talking about all kinds of subjects. They remind me of people who have "Open Arms", because they are openly sharing what they know to benefit other people. I have no idea if I will ever get to be on a TV show like that, but I want this blog to be a place where I share recipes i have developed, talk about what I'm learning as I study the Bible and other Christian books, and also just share some fun things that me and my family like or things we've done recently that might inspire someone who is reading this blog. Someone like you! Thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings!
I love this stuff! If haven't tried it before, you can find it at a health food store or at your local Kroger. 
I love Greek food! Some of my favorite Greek or Mediterranean foods to make are hummus and tabbouleh salad! We always serve hummus with black olives, kalamata olives, sliced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and a side dish --either tabbouleh salad or seasoned curly fries.
Juice the lemons!
Add everything to a food processor except the water!
Tahini can be found at your grocery store in the health/natural foods section or near the peanut butter and jelly where they have other nut butters like almond butter, cashew butter. It is made out of sesame seeds.
Blend in the food processor until it is smooth and thoroughly combined. If it is very, very thick, add some water and continue to process the hummus, adding more water until the desired consistency is achieved.
Next, up let's make some Tabbouleh Salad! It's such a fresh, tangy flavor to serve with hummus!
Chop the parsley and green pepper, and mix it together with the prepared Bulgar wheat.
Tabbouleh Salad turns out so fresh and colorful! It makes a wonderful side dish with all kinds of Greek and Mediterranean foods!
I am getting a craving for some homemade hummus! I think I'll make this for our Friday night supper! Oh, and if there are any leftovers, be sure to use them up, because the flavors combine and become even brighter after it sets overnight!
