At Home with Susan
Monthly Column by Susan Sikes

We were created in His image, but what reflection is in the mirror? Think about all of the preparation that goes into leaving the house, especially if it is for some sort of evening out. When we have plans, getting ready is a large part of the evening itself. Everything has to be just right -– the make-up, hair, outfit, and shoes! When all seems as if we are completely ready to go, we usually take one more look in the mirror, just to make sure. There is nothing wrong with looking our best for our spouses or loved ones. However, do we ever examine ourselves in the “Inner Mirror?”

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; But a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised" (Proverbs 31:30).

Just as we look at the latest styles of fashion or hair in magazines, we can look to Christ for a picture of character that never changes. He came and lived on the earth to give us a clear example to follow. Take a look at what is on the inside of your heart to see if you are truly ready to go out. Do you display the fruit of the Spirit (Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, & Self-Control)? Look closely at that inner mirror.

Most of the time it is easy to display these qualities when we are out in public. The majority of people will be kind and patient in the work place, the grocery store, or at church. We wear the fruit when we go out, but when we get home we tend to slip into something more comfortable. It is when we are around the ones we love the most that we forget about what we look like in the mirror. This is when impatience, sharpness, and selfishness can emerge.

I challenge you to take a look at yourself -– not at your outer image, but the inner one instead. This image should take priority over our looks. What is on your inside?

In life, as is often in the case of cooking, it is the good stuff on the inside that really counts. Treat yourself and the ones you love to a delicious reminder of that truth by making your own batch of these tasty Oreo Truffles. The good stuff really is on the inside.

Oreo Truffles
(My daughter found this on the internet but did not have the source.)

18 oz. package of Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
8 oz. package of Cream Cheese, softened *
16 oz. Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate or Chocolate Chips, melted**

Crush the cookies into fine crumbs in a food processor or a zip top baggie. Add cream cheese; mix until well blended. Roll the cookie mixture into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.

Melt the chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave. Stir until smooth. Roll the balls in chocolate to coat completely. Use toothpicks or forks to remove the balls from the chocolate, allowing the extra chocolate to drip off. Place on a piece of waxed paper. Refrigerate another 30 minutes until the chocolate forms a hard shell. Store the truffles in the refrigerator.

© 2008 by Susan Sikes