Recipes and Stories for a Full, Filled Life

John 10:10 - Jesus said, "I came that they (you and me) may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance - to the full, til it overflows.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Wild Rice Soup



1 medium onion, chopped
2 celery ribs, diced
2 carrots, diced
½ c. butter
½ c. flour
4 c. low-sodium chicken stock
2 c. cooked wild rice
1 c. milk
3 T. chopped fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste
2 c. diced cooked turkey or chicken, optional

In a large soup pot, sauté onion, celery and carrots in butter until tender, about 15 minutes. Add flour; stir to combine. Gradually add stock, stirring constantly until mixtures boils, over medium high heat. Lower heat to medium, boil for 1 minute. Add cooked rice, milk, parsley, salt, pepper and chicken if desired.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Footprints in the Snow



Living in Wisconsin in the winter—think snow!—and sometimes lots of it! We try to walk on the trails in the woods. It can be hard, especially when you’re the first to walk on the trail after a large snowfall and sink down in the knee-high snow! If, however, someone walks before you, and blazes a trail, it makes it much easier. One can then follow in his steps.

So, too, in life. I have several mentors. They have walked the steps in life before me. They have shown me how to live. In some cases, they, having gone to be with the Lord, have shown me how to die. I don’t need to be the first one to walk through the “deep snow”. I’ve been blessed to have others who blazed the trail for me. Their example of faith, hope and love give me strength and courage to keep going. The apostle Paul tells us to follow his example, as he follows the example of Christ (I Cor. 11:1). Hebrews 12:2 admonishes us to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…”

Find a mentor. Someone who is a follower of Christ, and desires to live for Him. Someone who can encourage you on your life-journey. Someone who will blaze the trail before you. Then, someday, you be a mentor for someone else. Be that “trail blazer” that shows by word and deed, how to live and give glory to God.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Baked Oatmeal



This is a great stick-to-your-ribs breakfast for the cold winter.

2 eggs
¾ c. brown sugar
1 c. milk
1/3 c. butter, melted
2 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla
1 ½ tsp. cinnamon
3 c. old fashioned oats
1 c. dried fruit, optional

In a bowl, beat eggs; add sugar, milk and butter. Mix well. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Turn into a greased 8 x 8 pan. Bake uncovered at 350˚ 30-35 minutes, or until set in middle. Serve hot with milk, if desired.