Because I and my husband, Skip, are diabetic, we can't do the usual sweet potato dishes. So, here is one that works for us, cuts out processed sugars and still tastes great.

3 or 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled, sliced about 1/2 inch thick, set aside in bowl of water (stops oxidization and keeps potatoes a pretty orange.)

3 or 4 large apples, (do not peel) cored, sliced. Set aside in bowl and drizzled with lemon juice or 7 up to keep them white.

1 can unsweetened frozen orange juice or a 1 qt. container of unsweetened orange juice.

1 TBL. cinnamon

pan spray

9 x 13 inch baking pan

Aluminum foil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. While oven is heating, place potatoes and apples in pan, 1 slice of potato, 1 slice of apple, stacking them like this ///////// until all are in place.

Prepare frozen orange juice as directed on can or use o.j. from carton. Drizzle juice over potatoes and apples, adding enough to make about 1/2 inch of liquid in bottom of pan.

Sprinkle cinnamon over all. Cover with foil and bake until potatoes and apples are soft. I like to bake them a bit longer so apple slices are a bit brown.

Maiken J, I find I agree in thought with you. Problems in the interpretation of religions are human. We get it wrong, not the diety who calls for our devotion and faith. I am a Christian, wholeheartedly but I do not deny anyone's right to their own way. Who's to say what form God may take in His/Her calling to another. Yes, I do believe Christ is the only answer but I will not kill you or belittle you if you do not agree with me. What kind of person am I if I do that. I am not following the precepts laid down for me if I treat you as less than I for my example is to see the face of my savior in all I meet, each and every day. Would I then call you less than he?

I see no difference between spirituality and religion, unless you call religion religiosity. There is a great deal of difference then. Many people practice religiosity in public, before the multitude, on the face of things, but their hearts are greedy and false. Again it is not up to me to judge. That power lies elsewhere, on a higher level than I stand. My job is to make sure my life is a living example of the precepts laid down for me.

Enough deep discussion. The spirit is as the spirit does. I do not know what the day is like where you are but here it is gorgeous. Sun, warm breeze, green grass, blue sky, birds, critters of all kinds...Creation is smiling and I too am a creature. Even though I must work, I wish to go out and enjoy this oh so beautiful creation and refresh my spirit. I think I will do so. I hope you do too. Our sojourn is short. "Live like there is no tomorrow. Love like you have never been hurt. Dance like nobody is watching," and while you are at it, live green and pass it on clean! Sojourner Poet.