FRESH PEACH CAPRESE TARTINES + SOME STORMY WEATHER

I clutched my pillow tighter with each popping sound of the hail hitting our sliding glass doors. Trees swaying, rain pouring harder than I'd seen it in decades and the water in our creek violently spewing in every direction, crashing over the roots and rocks as it made its way through the trees full force.

Looking out the front window, I noticed a squirrel hovering in the corner of our covered front entry, trying to take shelter from the danger. But one look at me, and he was off. "Lord, please keep this little one safe," I whispered, hoping he could make it through the rising water that was so flooded that it came up to our second step. My heart sank.

We'd had flooding issues in the past, but a few French drains installed in the front of the house 20 years ago did the trick. But these last 8 years, since we moved back home to take care of Mom and Dad, with new construction in the neighborhood, it seemed like the water from the whole neighborhood flowed down into our front yard with each rain. And, oh no, I better check the basement.

I held my stomach tight, still recovering from my hernia surgery, as I made my way down the stairs. No water had come through yet, thank you Lord. But, with the intensity of this storm, it could break free at any moment and flood the downstairs.

I wanted to cry. We recently had new carpet installed, and I finally finished decorating down there. A flood could be a costly disaster. Not only that, but neither my husband nor I would be of much good in this type of cleanup since I can't lift over ten pounds, and my husband has balance issues since his stroke. If we needed to move things out, we wouldn't be of much use.

"Trust God, Diana," he said, barly batting an eye and went back to reading his Bible passage. "Our treasures are not here on Earth, but in Heaven."

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." -Matthew 6:21

I know, I know, but new carpet! And all that money that I just spent decorating every nook and cranny in our lower level. I'd sure hate to have to start over again. And since when did you become the calm one?

“You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth." -Exodus 20:3-4

But he was right. Things are not my God; God is my God. I feel so blessed to have such a beautiful home to live in, surrounded by my beloved trees, but this is just temporary. This is not my home, and none of these things will go with us in the end.

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." -Matthew 6:24

Thankfully, neither our home nor our trees suffered damage. But man, yesterday's storm was one for the books.

Fresh Peach Caprese Tartines

This recipe was created thanks to the abundance of delicious peaches from our neighboring state of South Carolina and fresh tomatoes from our local farms. These open faced sandwiches are perfect for lunch on a warm summer day and to help you weather any storm from nature or of the heart. I hope you enjoy this creamy, fruity, crunchy, flavorful creation. A stunning addition to your party table. You can also put an oval wooden board (as shown) on each place setting at a dinner party for a gorgeous first course in lieu of a cheese plate for when guests first sit down at the table. Just make sure and add the drizzle immediately before serving.

Ciabatta bread, or any rustic bread that you like, sliced

Olive oil to drizzle on toasted bread

1 fresh peach, sliced

1 tomato, sliced

3-4 basil leaves

A few slices of fresh mozzarella cheese

Balsamic glaze (I like this one)

Fresh blueberries (optional)

First, toast your bread and then drizzle on a bit of olive oil. Next, layer on the sliced peaches, tomatoes and mozzarella. Tuck in the basil leaves among the slices. Drizzle over the balsamic glaze and sprinkle on the fresh blueberries if using.

This recipe can make as much or as little as you'd like and be creative with the layers. You can also sprinkle a touch of sea salt over the tomatoes to give it an extra bite it you'd like.