Chicken and Rice Soup

Good Tuesday morning!

The Gallery Pic today is "Just Roxie" while we were waiting for Monica and Amy to arrive for our birthday lunch Sunday. I just thought it was pretty.

As promised, I've added a few more hints about our upcoming Special Guest. Do you think you know who it is yet? Maybe this will help.

7. She has a ton of energy. (Compared to me, everyone has a ton of energy. But I think she has more than the average person.)

8. One of her kids is exactly like her, while the other child has a lot of "Daddy" qualities.

9. She's very competitive at sporting events. (I'm not saying she paints her face maroon and gray and toots an air horn, but you know what I mean.)

10. She's very close to her mom and her dad even though they do not live in this area.

Have you figured it out yet? Let me know who you think it might be.

Just a Thought - Roxie had a Sunday School lesson a couple of weeks ago on the subject of Joy and Contentment. It really made her think because two weeks later we are still talking about having daily joy and contentment in our lives. I had to be honest with her (and myself) and admit that I have had quite a few "joyless" days in my 48 years. There have also been times when I couldn't even make myself look for joy.

Staying on this honesty kick for a few more minutes, contentment in every aspect and season of my life has not been an easy thing to grasp either. Perhaps I am alone in feeling this way, but maybe not. I readily admit I am a "glass half empty" person, so before the day really begins I have to try to adjust my attitude. (If I try to do it alone... not so good. When I rely on God's help... much better. But if left to my own devices, I quickly revert to my "old" ways.)

I know the scripture... "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-3. That's the joy verse.

Then you have the contentment verse. "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-12.

I love what Paul says in Philippians though. "I have learned the secret." Yes! There is hope. Paul had to "learn" to be content whatever the circumstance. It wasn't his natural response. I am not destined to be joyless and discontent for the rest of my life on this earth. I can still "learn." Of course, then you have that "teaching old dogs new tricks" thing you have to work out, but Paul even addressed that little problem. "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (That's for all of us "old dogs.")

Sometimes I wonder how long I, The Enchanting Belinda, would have to sit in a horrible prison before I was "content" and "joyful" enough to sing praises to God. I'm afraid to even guess.

But like most tests in life, you have the question, "Would I be able to be a Paul and be content and joyful in any circumstance?" And as a Christian, I am supplied with the answer. "Yes, eventually, because I have a personal relationship with God who will give me the strength when I ask."

Asked and answered.

Tomorrow I would like to share a funny little story to help illustrate the "learning" part of today's post. One of the characters in the story is a feisty little basketball-playing redhead. Guesses? Anyone? Anyone?

Check back Wednesday for a little tale I like to call, "To Fight, or Not To Fight... That Is the Question." Or we could use Mikie's title... "I Think She Can Take Her."

Chicken and Rice Soup

I "borrowed" this recipe from my friend, Julie (of Turnip Green Soup fame), who also "borrowed" the recipe from someone else. When it comes to cooking, "borrowing" and "sharing" are my two favorite words. This soup is absolutely wonderful. Oh, and it is incredibly easy.

2 cans cream of mushroom soup
2 cans chicken broth
2 large cans chicken breast
4 cups water
4 teaspoons butter
2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons chopped chives
1 pint half and half
2 cups instant rice

Mix all ingredients. Heat and simmer 1 hour.

I'm sorry. This one is just too easy, isn't it? Next week's recipe will be much, much more difficult. It will involve growing your own herbs and stuffing things and such. But it won't taste as delicious as this soup. Try this one. You'll like it!

Have a lovely Tuesday. These fall days are starting to feel AND look like autumn. Enjoy each and every one. Tomorrow's Seasonal Tradition is fun and inexpensive and festive. We'll also have Wednesday Wisdom, more Gallery Pics, a few more hints about our Special Guest for next week and maybe a few other surprises. You never know. And I guess that is what makes life exciting.

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda