Monday, September 29, 2014

Recipe #6 Beer Chicken and Sausage

This crock pot dish ended up reminding me more of jambalaya with a ton of flavor and was quite enjoyable with not a ton of carbohydrates (actually, I did not eat it with any rice at all - even though it would be delicious served over a bowl).

Here's what I included:

2 -3 boneless chicken breasts chopped
1 pound of smoked turkey sausage sliced
1 bottle of ice cold Miller Lite
1 onion chopped
1 red pepper diced
1 can of diced tomatoes
2 tbs hot sauce
1 tbs chili powder
1 tsp paprika
3-4 sprigs fresh thyme
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
pinch of salt


And here's what I did:

Layer the crock pot insert with the onions, chicken, sausage, peppers, tomatoes and seasonings. Cover all with the beer. If you need more liquid to submerge the meat, add more beer or you can use chicken broth.
Cook on Low for 7-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
Enjoy with bread or rice

Pax!


Thank you to halfbakedharvest.com for the recipe this is based on!

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

I love my android phone


My Sweetie and the birthday basket she put together for her sister this past weekend





I was going to do a time lapse series of the sun rising over Brighton this morning but I got impatient and only took 5 photos


These two angels have captivated our hearts. They live with our Airman in Wyoming

Mom and dad in Westland on the Fourth, 2014. Mom is wearing her flag shirt

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

With the Lord Begin Thy Task

The Lutheran Hymnal #540

1. With the Lord begin thy task, Jesus will direct it;
For His aid and counsel ask, Jesus will perfect it.
Ev'ry morn with Jesus rise, And when day is ended,
In His name then close thine eyes; Be to Him commended.

2. Let each day begin with prayer, Praise, and adoration;
On the Lord cast ev'ry care, He is thy Salvation.
Morning, evening, and at night Jesus will be near thee,
Save thee from the Tempter's might, With His presence cheer thee.

3. With thy Savior at thy side, Foes need not alarm thee
In His promises confide, And no ill can harm thee.
All thy trust do thou repose In the mighty Master,
Who in wisdom truly knows How to stem disaster

4. If thy task be thus begun With the Savior's blessing,
Safely then thy course will run, Naught thy soul distressing.
Good will follow everywhere While thou here must wander;
Thou at last the joy wilt share In the mansions yonder.

5. Thus, Lord Jesus, every task Be to Thee commended;
May Thy will be done, I ask, Until life is ended.
Jesus, in Thy name begun Be the day's endeavor;
Grant that it may well be done To Thy praise forever.


Col.3:17
Fang dein Werk mit Jesu an
German author unknown, 1734
Re., W. Gustave Polack, 1937

Fand dein Werk
Peter Frank, 1657

Friday, September 19, 2014

Ear Fodder

Learning to play this on my new little acoustic guitar - I have always loved the chord progression and bass line of (White Man) In Hammersmith Palais by The Clash. So, for your weekend entertainment, I"ve included my favourite version, the one on the green album I owned so many, many years ago.

Pax


Friday, September 12, 2014

What is Via de Cristo??

From the Good News! Via de Cristo's web (gnvdc.org):

What is Via de Cristo?

Via de Cristo, a Spanish phrase meaning "Way of Christ," is a spiritual method for the renewal of Christian Life.
The Via de Cristo method includes an inspirational three-day weekend designed to strengthen and renew the faith of Christians and bring them to a new awareness of living in God's grace.
The purpose of Via de Cristo is, above all, to see the world reconciled to Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:20). The Via de Cristo method assists individual Christians to actively be the Church. Laypersons are encouraged to strengthen their partnerships with their pastors, to be "extensions," building up the body of Christ.
Via de Cristo is a movement within the Church of Jesus Christ. The focus is not on Via de Cristo, but on the local church -- your church and my church. The objective of the movement is to inspire, challenge, and equip local church members for Christian action in their homes, churches, and communities.
Through the Via de Cristo method, we are encouraged to persevere and grow in our faith, to become an effective channel of God's love to others, and to strengthen a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
To attend a weekend, you must have a sponsor - that is, you have to be invited by someone who considers you a leader or potential leader in your environment. The weekend begins Thursday evening and ends late Sunday afternoon, and is very spiritually, intellectually and emotionally intense.
The weekend is centered on a series of 14 talks given by folks who have already made a weekend. Each talk is followed by a table discussion, and at the end of each day, the tables share the main points of their discussion with the larger group.
Time is spent together in the chapel, in prayer and meditation, and while eating meals (a highlight for me!)
All the folks involved in the weekend have already attended a prior weekend, and each Participant is encouraged to help in any way on future weekends. The weekend 'team' meets several times during the months preceding the actual weekend to clearly define each members' role, and to build community.

There are two Via de Cristo movements in the Great Lakes State: Lutheran Via de Cristo of Central Michigan, based in the Saginaw/Midland area (lvccm.org), and Good News! Via de Cristo, based in South East Lower Michigan (gnvdc.org).

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Beauty All Around

I'm always so thankful for the cooler temperatures whenever they arrive. So much of our summer has been muggy 80's and even muggy 70's, which when the sun is shining can be uncomfortable (unless, of course, you're on a lake, and Lord willing we will be soon.)

It still doesn't seem like autumn in our corner of south-eastern Lower Michigan; so very much foliage is still green and the flowers are holding their vibrant colors. Soon though, we may leave off the air conditioning for good, as we prepare for the winter that is to eclipse even last winter in intensity.

We are not afraid though!

We are Michiganders, after all! (Or Michiganians, if you don't prefer the goosey nomenclature.)

...

We've had two of our four team meetings for the Good News Via de Cristo Weekend #55 coming the second weekend in October. (Please sign up to pray for the Participants at http://www.3dayol.org/Vigil/GetComm.phtml) No meeting this weekend but brats on the grill are calling my name loudly I believe.

Our Tigers have jumped up into a tie for first in the AL Central by beating the Royals two nights in a row. Max got the win last night and Sloppy Joe the save.

Dad's getting more comfortable at his new place of employment, Abbey Floor and Design.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Prayer

IN the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit

Dearest Lord, please protect those who are fighting to eliminate evil in this world. Guide them, give them wisdom and peace in all their decisions, and help them to fight the good fight.

Dearest Lord, please grant rest to those who are tired.

Dearest Lord, please grant comfort to those in pain.

Dearest Lord, please grant a renewed enthusiasm to those who believe life is dreary.

Dearest Lord, give purpose and meaning to those who don't see their calling just right now.
Give a renewed hope to those who are desperate, despondent.

For the sake of Christ's sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us, and on the whole world.
 
Father, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.


 
 

Friday, September 5, 2014

Messiah

It's never a bad time for G.F. Handel.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the 'Messiah'.