Hearty Chicken & Rice Casserole

This is a very hearty meal for the cooler months. In addition to chicken and rice, this entree has broccoli and cheese, onions, and yellow squash mixed in with cream of celery, mushroom, and chicken soup.

This is not low-carb or fat-free, but the recipe can be modified a little by using reduced fat cheese and soup. Serves 8-12.

Hearty Chicken & Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

1 cup dried rice
2 lb. chicken, boneless, skinless
1/2 large onion, chopped
1 yellow squash, chopped and lightly peeled if necessary
1 10-12 oz. package frozen broccoli and cheese sauce (or fresh broccoli)
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 10 1/2 oz. can cream of chicken soup
1 10 1/2 oz. can cream of mushroom soup
1 10 1/2 oz. can cream of celery soup
1 soup can of milk (about 10 oz.)
2 T. olive oil
Lawry's seasoning salt (no msg, if available)
salt
pepper

Preparation:

Cook white rice according to package instructions. One cup dried rice will be about 2 cups cooked. Set aside.

Cut up chicken into small pieces. In a large skillet, add olive oil and chicken. Cook until lightly browned and no longer pink. Set aside.

In another skillet, spray with cooking spray. Saute chopped onion and chopped yellow squash just a few minutes. This will cook more in the oven, so don't overcook it.

Prepare the packaged broccoli and cheese sauce in the microwave, or steam fresh broccoli.

Spray cooking spray in a large 2-inch deep casserole dish.

Spoon the rice into the bottom of the casserole dish. Then add cooked chicken. Lightly season this with salt, pepper, and Lawry's seasoning salt (optional).

Next, add onion, squash, broccoli and spread this to cover all the rice and chicken evenly.

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the three cans of soup, and then add 1 can equivalent of milk. Stir well. Then pour all of this to cover the chicken and rice mixture.

Bake at 425 degrees for about 20-30 minutes or until very well heated (when it starts to bubble).

Take out of the oven and sprinkle 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese over the top evenly. Return to the oven for a few minutes just until the cheese is melted.

Serve in bowls with soup spoons.

Spiritual Rest: A Blessing from God

Hebrews 4:9-11

9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.

Rest has been defined as "refreshing ease or inactivity after exertion or labor."  Even the Bible describes God as having worked six days and then resting on the seventh day. This is why the church encourages taking a day off on Sunday to worship God and rest. But this type of rest is not just a pause from physical labor. It is also a time to restore spiritual strength. Another definition of rest is, "relief or freedom, especially from anything that wearies, troubles, or disturbs." 

Sabbath Rest

In the Old Testament, the Israelites were learning how to keep a covenant relationship with the Lord. In Exodus 31:12-13, the Lord said to Moses, "You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy." The purpose of the rest here is not just physical, but spiritual, and also an acknowledgment of relationship with God and an act done out of obedience.

Psalm 91

The psalmist declared in Psalm 91:

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

And then in verses 14-15:

"Because he [a person] loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."

When we rest on the Sabbath, whichever day of the week it is, it should involve acknowledging God.

Sabbath Work

There are times when an employer does not acknowledge the name of God, and this would be the case when he or she requires employees to work seven days a week. Ethically, every person is usually given at least one day off, but it is not helpful when it is not on a "Sabbath" day when others are also taking off for corporate worship and rest. This sense of community and time for fellowship is very important for healing relationships, bonding with others in like-faith, and for doing good.

Disciples Picking Grain on the Sabbath

In the New Testament in Matthew 12, the disciples of Jesus were hungry on the Sabbath and they began to pick grain from a field so they could eat it. The Pharisees, looking to find fault with them and Jesus, questioned them for breaking the Old Testament law. When Jesus entered their synagogue, a man with a shriveled hand was there. The Pharisees asked Jesus, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" 

Jesus said to them:"If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift if out? How much more valuable is a man than a sheep? Therefore, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."

Then it is recorded that Jesus told the man to stretch out his hand, and in his obedience, the man's hand was restored the same as the other hand. But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus. The healed man had acted in obedience and acknowledgement of the Lord, while the Pharisees were conspiring to find fault.

Application

From these passages, I am reminded that rest is vital for healthy living. Both physical rest and spiritual rest are important.

Our relationship with God requires that we acknowledge that He is our Creator, and in Him we find true healing and restoration.

By trusting in God, our faith gives us purpose, hope, comfort, strength, and healing. Even in our trials and ultimate death, we are promised His presence and His peace; ultimately, we are perfected in Heaven in Him (Rev. 21:4).

The Lord God honors those who honor Him and obey Him.

If we are going to work on the Sabbath (Sunday for Christians) then we better be doing good works!

Hamburger Stew

Here is an easy version of hamburger stew.

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground hamburger meat
1 29 oz. large can of Veg All, homestyle cut vegetables
1 14 1/2 oz. can chopped tomatoes
1 14 1/2 oz. can triple succotash (tomatoes, corn, butter beans)
1 14 1/2 oz. can cut green beans
Beef bouillon (no msg, if available)
Italian seasoning blend
Lawry's seasoning salt (no msg, if available)
Salt, pepper

Prep:

In a large soup pot, brown ground beef over medium high heat.  Drain. Season well with about a tablespoon of italian seasoning, Lawry's seasoning salt, pepper, and more salt if necessary.

Add canned tomatoes, succotash, Veg All, and green beans.

Break up a large beef bouillon cube, or enough bouillon granules to make about 4 cups of broth. Add to soup.

Return the soup to heat until it begins to boil, then turn down to medium and let simmer for at least 20 minutes. Any vegetables or beans can be used, but if they are raw, then they need to cook longer in the broth before serving. If you use both raw and canned vegetables, then cook the raw vegetables first and add the canned vegetables at the very end of the cooking time.

To slightly thicken the soup: In a small cup, mix 1 heaping tablespoon of corn starch with just enough cold water to be able to stir it. Mix well, then pour this into the boiling stew. Let cook a few minutes more.

Serve with crackers or cornbread. Enjoy!

Soup [soop], noun: 

- a liquid  food made by boiling or simmering meat, fish, or vegetables with various added ingredients.

Stew [stoo], verb]:

- to cook (food) by simmering or slow boiling.

Because He Lives, I Can Worship

I heard the beautiful song, "Because He Lives" this week. The lyrics are very inspiring, including the line, "Life is worth the living just because He lives." I searched for it online and came across a worship playlist (at this link). Three of the worship songs are below as videos with lyrics.

10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) by Matt Redman

Because He Lives

It is Well with My Soul

Public Speaking: Ed Wohlmuth Method

All of us at one time or another are asked to "get up and share a few words." For me, this has always been such a nightmare! Fortunately, over time, it is not so much the "getting up" as it is the "sharing a few [worthy and insightful] words." We can really mess things up by not being in the moment!

I came across this overnight guide to public speaking and really enjoyed its practical and timely advice. It is worth saving for future reference. 

Six Signals Every Audience Wants to Hear

1. I Will Not Waste Your Time
2. I Know Who You Are
3. I Am Well Organized
4. I Know My Subject
5. Here Is My Most Important Point
6. I Am Finished

Ten Sure-Fire Ways to Give a Lousy Speech

1. Come Ill-Prepared (Make sure you spend time thinking about the purpose and content of the message.)
2. Waste Everyone's Time (Remember even the first 30 seconds of the speech make a difference in impression and value.)
3. Talk to Yourself (Does the message impress you alone, or does it bring value to the audience?)
4. Talk to Your Boss (Are you only aiming the message to one person or group? That insults the rest of the crowd.)
5. Use Opinions Instead of Facts (Citing fancy names or opinions of others and not focusing on the product. This has no value to the audience.)
6. Ramble Away From Your Subject (Telling stories or jokes that have nothing to do with the topic and have probably already been told by other people in the crowd!)
7. Forget Your Objective (You love the sound of your voice, but your metaphors mean your message is lost and so is your audience.)
8. Ignore the Setting (Be courteous to the audience and others on the agenda by keeping your message brief, on-point, and in doing so, win over the crowd, other speakers, and the host.)
9. Ignore the Clock (Know when to quit talking!)
10. Conclude Inconclusively (Don't ever say, "Well, I guess that's all I have to say..." Know when you are finished with your point and say so by wrapping it up decisively.)

This book is available online although it was last published in 1993, so some of the references to technology and entertainment are really outdated. The basic ideas on communication and valuing time and having an important message are still relevant. 

In my opinion, the Six Signals (above) should be on an index card or electronic device to refer to before every public speaking opportunity.

The ten ways to give a speech are also clues to a speaker's personality and character. It seems like etiquette has really declined over the last few decades and the rules for how we treat others are in danger of extinction. Just as technology evolves, so do forms of communication, but the basic elements of communication are the same.

Ultimately, it is just as much how the speaker makes a person feel as what the message is or the delivery.

In conclusion, a speaker must have an important message and make the audience feel important and valued. Once these two goals are understood, it is time to begin speaking!

Maya Angelou - American poet and inspirational writer
(1928-2014)

Psalm 23 - The Good Shepherd

This well-known passage is recited often at funerals and other church services and is a source of comfort.

A psalm of David. Copied from biblegateway.com.

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 23:4 Or the valley of the shadow of death

Years ago, I was introduced to a book on this psalm, and I highly recommend it. It is titled, "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23," written by W. Phillip Keller.

The author explains the role and significance of the shepherd and how he takes care of his sheep. In the Bible, this illustration compares the Lord, Our God, as The Good Shepherd and people as His sheep.

Imagine a field of sheep, wandering about, grazing, falling over, maybe appearing confused at times! But when the sheep hear the voice of their Shepherd, they know where to go, what to do, and at times they are rescued from danger or peril. 

Reread Psalm 23, imagining yourself at the mercy and care of the Good Shepherd.

Jesus was quoted as saying in John 10:7-11,

Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers,but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.

They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."

Christ the Good Shepherd
by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo

This is probably one of my favorite paintings of all time. It is a beautiful image of Christ as the Good Shepherd, painted by the Spanish artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo in the 17th century.

Cucumber, Tomato, Avocado Salad

I'm saving this recipe that I found online so I can find it later. This salad is healthy and delicious. I would recommend slicing the tomatoes and avocado thinner than in this picture! :)

Cucumber, Tomato, Avocado Salad

Ingredients:

1 cucumber, sliced thin
4 Roma (the smaller) tomatoes
3 ripe avocados
½ red onion, sliced or diced
¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

1. Place sliced cucumber, tomatoes, avocados, onion, and cilantro in a large salad bowl.

2. Toss with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Inspired by: http://natashaskitchen.com/2015/06/01/cucumber-tomato-avocado-salad/

New Year, New Goals

I've decided to wait until the second week of January to commit to my New Year's Resolutions.
Searching online, I came across a poem that explains why!

January Acrostic (With Rhyme) - Poem by Stevie Taite

J uncture of the year 

A t which we like to make

N umerous null promises

U ndoubtedly they'll take

A bout a week to break

R esolutions gone awry

Y et again next year we'll try[!]

Yet seriously, we should be confident in the start of a new year and take comfort in the opportunity of having a clean slate to begin again. For all that didn't go well in 2016, whether personally or corporately, let's start again. And if and when there is a failure, then press reset for the next day. 

In this new year, I have a list of goals and objectives just as most people do. For me, I truly believe that the only tasks that are accomplished are those that are scheduled and held accountable. For most people, this means what is expected at work or home, such as meetings, appointments, or caring for others out of necessity. These are our responsibilities. But also, we should expect to grow, and this growth process requires input, reflection, expression, and feedback. These should be our new responsibilities, in addition to the old.

So once again, this year as many before, my resolution is to make the most of my time, and to grow. For me, this means being productive while also finding outlets for creating so I can feel fulfillment and be a lifelong learner. We learn by doing, sharing, listening, and reflecting. Growth is not done alone; it involves spending time with others, learning and communicating with real people.

At the end of the year, we will look back again and remember what is truly important. At the risk of sounding cliché, it will remain faith, family, and love, but what does our faith, our family, and our love for God and others cause us to do?

Concerning work ethic, it is also about setting smart goals: specific, measurable, agreed upon/action-oriented, realistic, and time-based. Here's to the start of a new year, and an opportunity to pause, reflect and critique, and set new goals for growth! We want our God, our family and others to celebrate with us at the end of the year at how much we accomplished for our self-fulfillment and for others.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Salmon Patties

Ingredients:

1 14 oz. can pink salmon
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
1/2 small onion, chopped
2 eggs, beaten
2 tsp lemon juice
1 T fresh parsley, or dried Italian seasoning
1/4 t garlic salt, or season to taste with salt and pepper
1-2 T vegetable or canola oil


Preparation:

Drain and flake the salmon in a medium bowl. Remove the tiny bones and slivers as much as possible.* Combine salmon, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, lemon juice, and seasonings. Blend well. Shape into eight small "burger patties."

In a large skillet, heat a 1/2 inch depth of olive oil, or olive and canola oil (about 4-6 T). Cook salmon patties over medium heat, turning to fry both sides, until they are brown and heated through.

Serve on a bed of lettuce with cold cucumbers in vinegar. For kids of all ages, serve with macaroni and cheese!

*Note from Chicken of the Sea salmon can: The skin and tiny, soft bones are completely edible and an excellent source of calcium and Omega-3 fatty acids. Simply blend skin and bones with salmon and other ingredients.