“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.“
Romans 15:13 NIV

The truth is that there is not one day in all of the calendar that gives time and space enough for the vast nuances that come with being human. New Year’s Eve will always fold out and be forgotten. Independence Day will always remind us of the ways we are not yet fully free. Mother’s Day will not always bring the depth of rest that mothers crave, and Father’s Day will not always fulfill our hearts to feel the love of a father.

But the Holy Spirit can touch you — the Holy Spirit can reach deep into every hidden place you hold within your heart. The Holy Spirit can meet you in the chasms on the calendar — the gaping holes in which you are waiting to see and sense love show up on a day like today.

by Rachel Marie Kang, as featured in the (in)courage 2024 Agenda Planner

The mornings are cool, the days can be hot, and school is out for summer. If you find yourself hosting a gathering or brunch, or maybe you need a new meal to add to your menu planning rotation, we’ve got just the recipe for you! Invite friends over for brunch and serve this delicious Spinach-Artichoke Strata with a platter of croissants and a fresh pot of coffee. It’s the perfect way to spend a morning!

Scroll down for the recipe (courtesy of our friend Nancy), download a FREE printable recipe card, and read till the end to find the perfect serving pieces!

As you assemble this savory dish for a summer gathering or brunch, pause for a moment, ask the Holy Spirit to meet you right in the kitchen, and recall how truly loved you are by the One who created you and calls you Beloved Daughter.

Spinach-Artichoke Strata

Download the FREE recipe card here!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 60 minutes
Makes 4-6 servings.

INGREDIENTS:

• 5 cups cubed, crusty bread (cut into 1″ cubes)
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 3/4 cup chopped onion
• 3/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
• 1 (14-oz.) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained
• 2 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
• 5 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 tsp. salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350˚F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and red bell pepper; cook for 4 minutes. Add in the spinach leaves and cook another 3- 4 minutes, until spinach is wilted and onion and pepper are tender. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in artichokes; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, add the cubed bread, the onion/spinach mixture from the skillet, and 2 cups of shredded cheese, tossing everything together well. Add this to your greased baking dish, spreading mixture evenly.
4. In another bowl, beat the eggs, milk, and salt together. Pour this mixture over the bread mixture in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight.
5. Cover with foil and bake at 350˚F for 30 minutes, then uncover, sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese, and bake uncovered 30 minutes longer, or until top is lightly browned and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes, then cut and serve.

To get the aesthetic Nancy created, use the Simply Elegant Baking Set. Serve cream and sugar in the Simply Elegant Sugar & Creamer set, and use the Grace & Gratitude Accent Plates to serve the strata. Finish the spread by setting out these Tea Towels as napkins, a table square, or a table runner, and you’re ready for a beautiful brunch!

Find these lovely pieces and more at Mary & Martha by DaySpring.

May you remember that “the Holy Spirit can touch you … can meet you in the chasms on the calendar — the gaping holes in which you are waiting to see and sense love show up on a day like today.”

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