What's for dinner?

It's such a great night for soup.  I'm looking for tried and true amazing recipes, if you have such a recipe that you'd like to share-please comment below! :) 

Here's the soup recipe I made for super tonight; our family loves it! You may want to give it a try. The recipe is from Betty Crocker, but added to that recipe is chicken breast.  Annnnd, I don't use mushrooms (I still don't have that mature-taste acquired yet, I suppose).  Enjoy!

Wild Rice Soup

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

2 medium stalks celery, sliced (1 cup)

1 medium carrot, coarsely shredded (1 cup)

1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)

1 small green bell pepper, chopped (1/2 cup

1/4 cup Original Bisquick® or Bisquick Heart Smart® mix

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, if desired

1 cup water

1 can (10 1/2 oz) condensed chicken broth

1 1/2 cups canned or frozen cooked wild rice

1 cup half-and-half

1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

chicken brest

1. In 3-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add celery, carrot, onion and bell pepper; cook about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
2. Stir in Bisquick mix, salt, pepper and thyme. Stir in water, broth and wild rice. Heat to boiling, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in half-and-half, chicken, almonds and parsley. Heat just until hot (do not boil).

Makes 4 servings (1 1/4 cups each)

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night! 

I love my Nan. ;)

Anna is a diligent, hard working, tree climberin', generous, hugging, kiddo-crazy girl.  

 Me and my little sis may not see eye to eye...(ever, she's shorter than me!) but I know when we do have little fights, we will be back to normal in no time. She forgives and- forgets about disagreements quickly!

 Anner is strong willed, stubborn, and caring. But those are not bad qualities to have. Just gotta use them for good. :P  Right Nan?

"She is a very bubbly outgoing gal.. can be very hyperactive if allowed.. haha" -Ebony :) Yeah, I think so too.

She has a way with little kids she loves them to death-and they think she's amazing! I don't know how she does it. :) Anna is going to make a great nanny someday (and mom!).  *The kids in this picture are our little cousins Annabelle and AJ.  She loved hanging out with them both while they were visiting.  Anna is really considered our baby fairy; she ALWAYS is willing to hold them, and do whatever to help the mommas. 

So, here's to my littlest best friend/sister ever. I love you Anna! 

God's Grace and Wonderful Sufficiency

God has shown me I need to be ever so grateful for the people He has put in my life.  Each of you have helped me learn and grow more in Christ.  Here are some of the different types of people that influence the way I live my life, and how I think.

Some people some people in my life have different view points than mine; and you challenge me to think about why I believe what I believe-and for that matter- what I do believe. You challenge me to get into God's Holy word that is truth (John 17:17b).  You drive me find out what godly people have to say on whatever subject.  I hope I put His command's and word into action.

Some people in my life are an amazing example of following hard; I look up to you as sisters and brothers in Christ. You make me want to want God more.  You make me keep God as the love of my life.  You make me want to love God supremely.

 "I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus," -1 Corinthians 1:4 ESV

Some people in my life are struggling with some the same things I am/was; and you help me get through  tough times. You understand where I come from.  I love praying with you, talking about God's amazing-ness, and talking about what God is teaching us all. It's actually amazing to come broken, realizing that we are NOT perfect and we don't have everything together, but like it says in Philippians 3, we strive to glorify God and make his name GREAT!

"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."  -Philippians 3:12-14 ESV

God has been teaching me so much lately; one thing being- that it is possible to be content, happy and joyful with my heart belonging and held by my Savior. I don't always have to like somebody, or really care about who likes who. I can be CONTENT. I have hope! It was not a short, snap conclusion. It took  time, prayer, reflection, writing, talking, tears, and finally realizing I have everything I truly need. Lamentations 3:21-26 has been an amazing encouragement to me lately.  I must remember these verses as well:

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.  To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen." -Philippians 4:19-20 ESV

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content."     -Philippians 4:11 ESV

Why do I find it so hard to share all of the great hope we ALWAYS have no matter how crappy my day or week, or month is going.  How do people who do not have God to run to with their concerns make it through the day?!  I should be sharing the hope all the time. Why don't I?  It seems like it should be the easiest task of all.

"Keep your life free from love of money [or any other people, or things are an idol], and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say,    

'The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear;
what can man do to me?'"
 -Hebrews 13:5-6 ESV

PRAISE GOD for bringing just the right people into life when I need them. God is so gracious in that way. Amen. And amen. :)