I love chicken!

The girls wanted to add a doll head to it!

The second most prepared meal on my list was Sittin’ Up Chicken.  This is a favorite for Sunday dinner!   I discovered the “chimney cooker” several years ago and fell in love with this method of preparing chicken.  (I am currently on my second cooker.  They are difficult to find, but worth the effort!) 

 I season the chicken in the morning before getting dressed for church, place it in the oven on low (along with baking potatoes), and come home later to a tender, moist, tasty meal.  As an added bonus, the leftover meat is perfect for using later in the week as the basis of another dish.  I love being able to get two delicious meals from a $5 chicken!

Sittin’ Up Chicken

1 whole chicken (I like to use the largest fryer I can find.)

Seasonings- about 2-3 Tablespoons total:  I use a mixture of Creole seasoning (yes, I DO use this a lot…very tasty!), garlic powder, salt, pepper, herbs de Provence, and rosemary.  (You can experiment with different herbs and spices to please your own palate.)

Liquid:  This can be broth, any juice, wine, Dr. Pepper…be adventurous!

Equipment needed:  a chimney roaster  (Here are a few links showing different types: )

http://www.amazon.com/Weber-6408-Style-Poultry-Roaster/dp/B0012XXE3E

http://www.atbbq.com/store/show/bge_sittin_chicken.html

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006QNT3BC/ref=asc_df_B006QNT3BC2366143?smid=AEYH1OTC1GS85&tag=dealt698357-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395129&creativeASIN=B006QNT3BC

Cooking time varies according to the size of your bird and the temperature of the oven.  Since we are gone for about 3 hours on Sunday mornings, I like to cook mine at 290 degrees for about 4 hours.  The skin is nicely browned and crisp, and the meat is moist and tender…it literally falls apart.  This cooking temperature and time will also give you wonderfully tender baked potatoes.  Heat up some green veggies and/or throw together a salad, heat up some dinner rolls, and you have a feast!

I usually have a good 2 cups or so of leftover meat, which is perfect for most any chicken dish:  enchiladas, soup, fantasy crepes (recipe will be added at later date), chicken & dressing, etc. 

Ge 9:2 And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. 3 Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.

And the winner is....FISH!

       The menu item that I prepared the most times last year was Pan Seared Tilapia (14 times).  Fish is a good low-fat and nutritious option.  I buy a large bag of frozen fillets which will last my family 2-3 months and costs less than $10.  I discovered tilapia several years ago...such an economical and mild tasting fish...we love it!  This recipe is great for those busy nights when I don’t have a lot of time to spend cooking.  It only takes about 15 minutes from start to table.  I like to pair it with some kind of starchy food:  couscous, macaroni and cheese, or legumes.  The meal is rounded out by adding a veggie or salad...light, tasty and quick/easy!

Pan Seared Tilapia

tilapia fillets, thawed

Creole or Greek seasoning

cornmeal

olive oil

chopped pecans or sliced almonds, optional

Heat about a tablespoon of oil in a (preferably non-stick) skillet.  Sprinkle tilapia with your choice of Creole or Greek seasoning.  (No additional salt is necessary...it is in the seasoning.)  Then sprinkle lightly with cornmeal and place in hot oil.  Cook until lightly browned, then turn and cook until done (fish will flake).  Remove from pan, add nuts to pan (if desired), and sautee about a minute.  Top fish with nuts and serve.

 Lu 24:36  And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. 40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? 42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. 43 And he took it, and did eat before them.     

Meal Planning

Well, it has been a LONG time since I last posted on here. I have decided to take a little side trip for the next few weeks exploring a common household chore.

What is the one job that all homemakers have to deal with the most? I believe it is meal preparation. Feeding a family 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and trying to keep it interesting and delicious, requires a lot of effort and organization. I decided to spend a few weeks dealing with this subject, since it is so elemental and vital to caring for a family.

I have been tracking my menus for the past few years, trying not to repeat the same meal plans all the time. This week I decided to collect my data for last year and try to use it to improve my success in this area. I figured out how many times I fixed each entrée, what that averaged out over the course of the year, and then rated the meals according to our favorites (1-5 stars). This allowed me to see what I was preparing the most compared to what we liked the best to see what meals I should make more or less often. I plan to share my findings, along with some recipes, over the next several posts.

I invite those of you who are interested to join me. We will discuss meal plans, recipes and handy tips. I encourage you to make comments, suggestions or ask questions. Hopefully we can all make our meals more varied and yummy along the way!

Proverbs 31 woman

We took a little break from our normal studies last night to look at the Prov. 31 woman.  I can't even begin to guess how many times I've read this chapter, but this is probably the most indepth study that I've ever made on it.  I really enjoyed the study and thought I'd share a few of the highlights with you.

I want to begin by sharing a passage from a commentary I read (Family Bible Notes):  "In the closing passage of the book of Proverbs, the pen of inspiration has given, for the instruction of all ages, the character of a "virtuous woman," such as every wise man will choose for his companion in life.  It consists not in the fascination of outward accomplishments, which are too often united with idleness, prodigality, and a selfish, contentious spirit; but rather in industry, good management, authority over her household, and the spirit of love and kindness.  Such a woman will confer honor upon her husband, and make him prosperous and happy, however she may be undervalued by those who are too ignorant to understand in what female worth consists."  (This was well received last night!)

In verse 15:   She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
We discussed the physical applications of this verse - making sure that we send our family out each day with a good breakfast under their belts.  Then Debbie made a spiritual application - that we should provide spiritual meat for our children.  This lead Sheila to: De 6:6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. 9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

Verse 17:  She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
This verse can be taken both literally and metaphorically.  We should work to keep our physical bodies healthy and fit enough to take care of all of our responsibilities.  We all agreed last night, tho, that the metaphor was probably the best application.  When men in ancient times had a difficult job to do, they gathered up the hem of their robe and tucked it into their "girdle" or belt.  This kept their clothing from hindering the job they had to do.  We should also set aside the things that hinder our work and work with vigor on the task at hand.  Ec 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
 Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Verse 18:  She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
Not only does this teach us to be industrious, working into the night if need be, but it also infers that we should do quality work.  We should be known for "turning out a good product."  In the parable of the talents, we are instructed to use our talents and grow them.  Col 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Verse 19:  She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
I thought the commentaries on this verse were very informative.  The spindle and distaff are implements of spinning thread.  This was considered to be a very menial task, usually done by servants.  This verse indicates that a woman doesn't assign any job to others that she isn't willing to do herself.  No task or chore should be beneath us.  This reminds me of the passage in John 13, where Jesus washed the feet of His disciples.  We should be humble in all of our doings.

Verse 25:  Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
Although verse 22 indicates that we should take care with our appearance, to dress appropriately and not bring disgrace to our husband, this verse shows us that our primary focus should be on our character.  1Pe 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
1Ti 2:9  In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

I will finish up this summary with verse 30, because it ties in so well with verse 25:  Pr 31:30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
I want to share another passage from one of the commentaries I read:  "A handsome shape and graceful behaviour are very taking; and so are a good complexion and lovely features: but, alas! as the greatest beauty soon fades and vanishes, so many ill qualities may lie concealed under goodly looks (which will utterly spoil all the happiness that a man promised himself in such a choice); and therefore a truly religious woman, who dares not any way offend the Lord, is that amiable person, and she alone, who will please a man always, and deserves perpetual praises."
This verse also came to my mind.  I know I've shared it before, but I just love the imagery that it suggests!  Pr 11:22  As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

I hope you have enjoyed this limited review of this ever-popular passage.  This accounting of the characteristics of a virtuous woman sets a VERY high bar for us to attempt to reach.  I know that I need a constant refresher course to keep my eyes focused on the goal!

Dare to Surrender to the Process of Change

Our study group got together at the girls' house last night.  We covered a couple of chapters in our book, which pretty much dealt with the same topic.  It turned out to be a very good study and generated a lot of discussion.

(I'm switching to a different translation for the purpose of these studies - unless it contradicts the KJV.)

Isa 61:1 The spirit of the Lord is on me, because I am marked out by him to give good news to the poor; he has sent me to make the broken-hearted well, to say that the prisoners will be made free, and that those in chains will see the light again; 2 To give knowledge that the year of the Lord's good pleasure has come, and the day of punishment from our God; to give comfort to all who are sad;  3 To give them a fair head-dress in place of dust, the oil of joy in place of the clothing of grief, praise in place of sorrow; so that they may be named trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, and so that he may have glory. (BBE)

Jesus came to heal and give joy to His followers.  He tells us in Luke 4 that this passage in Isaiah was fulfilled in Him.  (Lu 4:21 Then he said to them, Today this word has come true in your hearing.)

When we become followers of Christ, we no longer live to ourselves...to decide how to live based on our own wants and think-sos. We allow Christ to direct us in everything...to allow our brokenness to be healed by Him.
Ga 2:20 I have been put to death on the cross with Christ; still I am living; no longer I, but Christ is living in me; and that life which I now am living in the flesh I am living by faith, the faith of the Son of God, who in love for me, gave himself up for me.

Heb 12:1  For this reason, as we are circled by so great a cloud of witnesses, putting off every weight, and the sin into which we come so readily, let us keep on running in the way which is marked out for us,  2 Having our eyes fixed on Jesus, the guide and end of our faith, who went through the pains of the cross, not caring for the shame, because of the joy which was before him, and who has now taken his place at the right hand of God's seat of power.

I liked this commentary from our book:  "Throw off all that hinders you (stop and think about what this is asking of you)...say no to the sin that has you tangled in knots...run the race that is marked out for you (don't run anyone else's marathon, only yours)...fix your eyes on one focus only:  Jesus"

Tit 2:13 Looking for the glad hope, the revelation of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, so that he might make us free from all wrongdoing, and make for himself a people clean in heart and on fire with good works.

Php 3:13 Brothers, it is clear to me that I have not come to that knowledge; but one thing I do, letting go those things which are past, and stretching out to the things which are before, 14 I go forward to the mark, even the reward of the high purpose of God in Christ Jesus.

We have a tendency to judge ourselves by others, and the standards that the world hold forth.  We need to turn from those tendencies and see ourselves as God sees us.  (1Sa 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, Do not take note of his face or how tall he is, because I will not have him: for the Lord's view is not man's; man takes note of the outer form, but the Lord sees the heart.)  Each of us have our own talents.  We should focus on using and growing these talents to God's glory and not bemoan the fact that someone else has other talents that we don't.  When we work as a body, the church grows and things get done!

Eph 4:7 But to every one of us has grace been given in the measure of the giving of Christ.
Eph 4:11 And he gave some as Apostles, and some, prophets; and some, preachers of the good news; and some to give care and teaching; 12 For the training of the saints as servants in the church, for the building up of the body of Christ:  13 Till we all come to the harmony of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to full growth, to the full measure of Christ: 14 So that we may be no longer children, sent this way and that, turned about by every wind of teaching, by the twisting and tricks of men, by the deceits of error; 15 But saying true words in love, may come to full growth in him, who is the head, even Christ; 16 Through whom all the body, being rightly formed and united together, by the full working of every part, is increased to the building up of itself in love.

Life deals with us in many ways, many of which are painful and difficult.  God uses those experiences to change us into His daughter...a thing of beauty.  Just as a pearl is formed over years from the irritation of sand in an oyster, our struggles and "irritants" create in us patience, maturity, compassion, and all of the traits that Our Fathers desires to be within us.  We need to train ourselves to view our trials as blessings...embracing the changes.

Ro 5:3 And not only so, but let us have joy in our troubles: in the knowledge that trouble gives us the power of waiting; 4 And waiting gives experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope does not put to shame; because our hearts are full of the love of God through the Holy Spirit which is given to us.

Mt 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a trader searching for beautiful jewels. 46 And having come across one jewel of great price, he went and gave all he had in exchange for it. 

Insecurities and fear keep us from being all that we can be in Christ.  We need to put away those negative thoughts and allow the Spirit to work in our lives.

2Co 3:2 You yourselves are our letter, whose writing is in our heart, open for every man's reading and knowledge; 3 For you are clearly a letter of Christ, the fruit of our work, recorded not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in stone, but in hearts of flesh. 4 And this is the certain faith which we have in God through Christ: 5 Not as if we were able by ourselves to do anything for which we might take the credit; but our power comes from God; 6 Who has made us able to be servants of a new agreement; not of the letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter gives death, but the Spirit gives life.

2Co 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there the heart is free. 18 But we all, with unveiled face giving back as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord who is the Spirit.

"What makes us special is...the signature of God on our lives."  (Max Lucado)

#11 - Dare to Live No Longer for Self

After about a 2 month gap, our little study group was able to get together yesterday.  The guys had their study session between services, so it provided a perfect opportunity for me to have the ladies over for lunch and study.  Debbie was scheduled to work yesterday morn but managed to swap so she could come, so we had our full complement of six ladies (plus a couple of little boys who enjoyed playing together all afternoon).

Our topic verse was: Ga 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.  It provided fuel for a very good study and discussion.

 We discussed our "abundant life":  Joh 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
 ...how we should no longer live for ourselves, but for Christ:  2Co 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
...the truths about Jesus and His care for us:  Ro 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

There was a statement in our study guide that I felt was so true.  It mentioned how we must have a core allegiance to something in our lives and listed the following:
*  self and all its interests, concerns and dreams
*  the approval of others, seeking to meet all their expectations first and foremost
*  the culture and what is popular, trendy, expected and valued by society
*  God, all that He is, all that He is doing, and where He is leading

That pretty well sums it up, doesn't it?  It is so easy to know which we should choose, but how often do we really do it?

Just before bedtime I received a call from Anita.  She'd just gotten off the phone with Debbie.  If you will remember, Debbie was immersed into Christ last December.  When she learned the truth, she HAD to obey immediately.  Well, evidently our study yesterday was working mightily on her heart.  She lives about 45 miles from the churchhouse and about 60 miles from us.  She is a single mother, struggling to provide good childcare for her son while she has to work.  She works mosts Sundays, so she usually can only attend Lord's Day evening services (she gets a couple of Sundays off about every six weeks).  Her job supervisor is NOT sympathetic to her faith, to say the least.  We encouraged her to think about moving closer.  She has no support system where she lives and we would love to be able to better provide that for her.  By the time she got home last evening, she had determined to quit her job (today!), put her house up for sale, and apply for a job here in MW (today!).  I was reminded of the scripture:  Mt 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

It is so inspiring to see God's Word work so mightily in a person's heart!  Please keep Debbie in your prayers...that she will be able to find a job soon that will meet her needs, that we will be able to provide the support and assistance that will help her through this transition, and that she will continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

#9 - Asking and not receiving

Have we ever faced a challenge when we prayed for something but didn't receive it?  Of course, we have!  That is the basis for today's topic.  Why does God sometimes not answer our prayers?

Mt 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

These verses give us great insight:  God gives good gifts to His children.  We don't always see what is best for us, but He does.  Just as our children sometimes ask us for things that we know are not good for them or they aren't ready for, we do the same with God.  He knows perfectly what is best and when the time is right!

Mt 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

God knows our needs and promises to give us what is good for us.  Our primary objective is to seek His will and obey Him in all things:

Joh 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
1Jo 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
1Jo 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

Sometimes our struggles or tribulations are meant for our good, to achieve God's purpose.  We should be willing to accept a "no" from God:

2Co 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Sometimes we ask for things for selfish reasons:

Jas 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

We need to learn to trust God and His timing:

Isa 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.  9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

Ps 145:15 The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.  16 Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. 17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.

La 3:25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. 26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.