GOD USES BROKEN EGGS

 Serving up joy!

Deb Rehder & Sunny Rowe

Wow! Busy Summer months, with all the grand children over. Lots of noise, laughter and messes. Nothing says "this house is loved" more than being lived in and loved. This doesn't seem the time for soups or stews, does it? Or does it? I made a pot of soup last week, and my grandsons made their way through it very quickly. They welcomed the change in menu from grilling. And after a day of swimming and romping in the pool, they were ready to welcome the good soup to fill their chilled cores.

BAY (LAUREL) LEAF

Which brings us to a wonderful herb for soups and stews, the pungent, fragrant Bay (Mediterranean Laurel)Leaf. The leaves are most often used whole and removed before serving. If a cook uses ground bay leaves, it is best to use an infuser or muslin sack, as the leaves do not break down well. You may be able to find finely powdered bay leaves, but the strength and fragrance will be nullified once removed from the jar. As with most herbs, it's the fragrance that hits our senses first, before taste hits our pallets.

Bay leaves are good for us! They have many properties that make them useful for treating high blood sugar, migraine headaches, bacterial and fungal infections and gastric ulcers.  Use bay leaves to keep away pests. Place whole leaves over pantry shelves to repel meal moths, flies, roaches and silverfish!  

EASY CAJUN JUMBALAYA 

 

2 tsp. Olive Oil

2 Chicken Breasts - boneless, skinless, cut into bite size pieces

8 Oz. Kielbasa - diced

1 Onion - diced

1 Bell Pepper - diced

1/2 C. Celery - diced

1/4 tsp. Cayenne Pepper

1/2 tsp. Onion Powder

Salt & Pepper to taste

2 Cups White Rice - uncooked

4 Cups Chicken Stock

3 BAY LEAVES

2 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce

1 tsp. Hot Pepper Sauce

Heat oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Saute chicken and kielbasa until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in onion, bell pepper, celery and garlic. Season with cayenne, onion powder, salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes, or until onion is tender and translucent. Add rice, then stir in chicken stock and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20 minutes, or until rice is tender. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and hot pepper sauce. Remove bay leaves before serving.

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FIXING THE BROKEN

For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. Hebrews 6:10

This may seem odd, however, now a days when I think of "soup"; I think of service!  Maybe it's because for the past few years I have been blessed to serve in "soup kitchens" for those in need.  What a humbling experience to be able to share 2 -4 hours of your life to those in need.  The ones who are really down and out and have a humble spirit!  To hear their stories of "how" they come to be in that position.  They are no different than you and I.  I walk away feeling so blessed and thankful for the life God has given me!  Sometimes we take what we have for granted!  We are very spoiled and believe we deserve EVERYTHING and more!

Jesus tells us in Matthew 25:40; The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'  I believe we need to have the heart of Jesus!  Jesus came as a servant.  He didn't have people wait on Him!  He waited and served others.  When we allow our hearts to take on the servant heart of Christ, we will be able to serve others.  I pray this week as we celebrate our countries birth, you will find time to have a "heart" of Christ.  Find a way you and your family could serve the needy!  It's wonderful when families serve together.  When you get home, set aside some time to discuss what each family member got out of being a servant.  You'd be surprised at the answers from children.  They really are blessed and appreciate what they have after serving! 

Prayer:  Father God, we thank you for your son Jesus!  He was the perfect role model for a servant!  He truly came to serve!  We are so thankful for what we have.  The small things we take for granted.  Lord I pray you bless each person this week.  Open their eyes to those in need around them.  Help them to have the mind of Christ and to become "servants" to those in need.  May you bless your children this week Lord!  And Lord we thank you that we live in a country that we are free to talk about you and your wonderful mercies!  May we not take this for granted! In Jesus name we pray!  Amen!