Thawing from the Arctic Blast...body and heart

It has been a bit chilly this week.  Chilly as in -2 wind chill factors!

 

 

The kind of cold that not even the kids enjoy.  It was too cold to even breathe without the breath turning to frost on your lips.

 

But the frosted trees and ice formations really were beautiful.  Also, there's the fact that any excuse for big mugs of hot chocolate is always welcome around here.  Hibernation tendencies set in, I think, because last night the entire house was quiet with slumber by 8:45!

So, like in life, nothing is ever all bad.  Right  ;)

 

The 30 degree weather today has felt like a big thaw.

 

Sometimes, it's a heart that we are praying will thaw.  Sometimes those  prayers seem endlessly unanswered.

The listless discouragement that can set in can be a heavy, dull weight on the soul.  This is a big part of my life's work right now, however.

 

Questions niggle at my mind... "is this even logical?"  According to the world, no.

But God's word says that nothing is impossible with God. 

"Are these prayers even making any difference at all?"

It would seem not likely.

 

 

 

And then God sends signs:  a dream that astonishes and powerfully sets a new path before you ( I hope to share eventually);

 

A sudden and unexpected word from a most unlikely relative;

 

Even an article that I ran across just today which resonated deeply and granted new courage to continue on doing the inexplicable and counter-cultural thing of standing in prayer for my family when all odds look to be against it.

 

Life is very interesting on all levels and never dull for a minute.

 

I will sign off this evening with a very easy and warming winter supper recipe.  This was our bowl of cheer this evening :)

 

 

White Chicken Chili - Crockpot

 (I double this for boy appetites)

 

2 boneless/skinless chicken breasts, frozen

1 can rotel

1 can corn, don't drain

1 can black beans, drained/rinsed or
1 1/2 c. white, northern beans (presoaked)

Seasonings to taste: cumin, chili powder, onion powder

1 packet of Ranch dressing mix

1 c. water or chicken broth

8 oz. cream cheese

 

Put the chicken breasts in first on the bottom (they can be frozen), put all other ingredients in with the cream cheese on the very top.  Put the lid on and cook on low for 8 hours.

 

 

Stay warm everyone and look for the beauty.