CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP

3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cups water
2 (14.5-ounce) cans chicken broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can diced green chilies
1 (14.5-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 bag tortilla chips or corn chips
1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or 1-2 tablespoons dry cilantro flakes
1 lime, cut in wedges (optional)
1 avocado, peeled and diced (optional)
Dollup of sour cream (optional)

Boil chicken in water until done; remove, dice, and return to pan. Add broth, tomatoes, beans, onions, chilies, corn, and seasonings; cover and simmer 30 minutes. To serve: crush few chips in individual bowls; pour soup overtop. Top with remaining ingredients as desired.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAMI

Today is my 2nd oldest daughter’s birthday.  What a joy she has been in our lives these past 39 years. Born on a hot July night (actually it was 1:45 am so not really night) in Pittsburgh, PA, I was so happy to hear that we had another girl. Though her daddy thought she was going to be a boy, needless to say, he was never sorry, not for a moment of time. Tami was a daddy’s girl and wanted to go everywhere he went. If only outside to get the mail, she went right with him.  Not much has changed since then and she still loves her dad.  Though she isn’t around that much to follow him around or ride to the store for a few quick groceries, she reminds him over and over in her birthday, Father’s Day, and any other cards she finds a reason to send, that he is the best dad in the whole world and that she loves him so very much. He is as proud to read them now as he was when she wanted to be with him as a child still at home.  So, Tami, today we say a big Happy Birthday to you and want you to know that we love you more than words could ever explain.  You are one precious daughter!  Love, Mom and Dad

SCALLOPED POTATOES

2 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons flour

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

1½ cups milk

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 ¾ pounds potatoes (5 medium), peeled and thinly sliced

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

In a small nonstick skillet, melt butter. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in cheese until blended. Place half of potatoes in a baking dish coated with cooking spray; layer with half of onion and cheese sauce. Repeat layers. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes; uncover and bake 10-15 minutes longer or until bubbly and potatoes tender. Yield: 6 servings.

Freedom or Captivity?

Freedom or Captivity?

On this Fourth of July, the day America officially became known as the “land of the free” and the Declaration of Independence was approved, images of fireworks, flags, parades, and barbecues come to mind.  An attitude of respect and gratitude for those who have sacrificed for our freedom is also promoted.  Had our forefathers not fought for our liberty, only God knows in what condition we would find ourselves today.  For these ones who served to prevent the United States of America from being held captive to the forces of another nation, we are truly grateful.

There is another type of freedom available to every single living soul.  This is the liberation or freedom we receive when we put our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and become His disciples.  “To the Jews who had believed in him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  –John 8:31-32, NIV

Jesus was in Jerusalem speaking to a group of followers comprised of believers and those who doubted that He was the Son of God.  Just as He spoke to the people then, Jesus also wants us to know that there is only one truth that will set us free from sin, destruction, and Satan’s bondage and captivity – God’s Holy Word that shares the provision He made as a way of redemption for all mankind in His Beloved Son Jesus.

We have the opportunity to believe the truth that is in God’s Word and apply it to our lives, or reject it and remain a captive of Satan, therefore, paying the consequences of sin.  Sin is like quicksand – it may be fun at first to play in, but then it sucks one steadily downward and soon they are enslaved to its death grip.  We were all once bound in sin, but Jesus came and set us free.  He lived, died, rose again, and has defeated sin, death, and Satan.  He has won freedom for the world, and He offers that freedom to all who desire to have it by holding to the teaching of the Gospel.

Dear Lord:  For the times I didn’t walk in Your ways and was deceived by the enemy, being pulled into the quicksand of sin, I repent.  As I continue to read and study Your Word, may I become stronger and more steadfast in my relationship with you.  Today, I choose freedom to be Your disciple as I hold to Your teaching and become a disciple for God.  For my family and friends, I pray they too choose to receive Your mercy and grace for their transgressions and be set free by the truth of Your Word.

In Jesus’ name, Amen