Francis Chan - Is it wrong to wear jeans? - Freedom in Christ

Baked Steak with Tangy Tomato Sauce.

Okay, I have to admit, the first time I read this recipe, I was not thinking YUM!  Can't Wait!!!  The only reason I tried it was because I was beginning once a month cooking and I needed recipes that freeze well.  BUT, lo and behold, this is now one of our family favorites.  My husband gets a bit jealous if I make it for someone who is ill without making some for us!

Try it.  If you like it make a double portion.  It freezes really well.  Then you can keep in frozen for when you know someone in need.  Enjoy!

Baked Steak in Tangy Tomato Sauce

2lb. Tenderized round steak
1/2 t. Salt
1/2 t. Pepper
3T shortening (or sub a healthy oil:)
1/3 C. Onion, chopped
1/3 C Celery, chopped (optional..I don't use this!)
1 Clove garlic
2T. Brown Sugar
2t.  Mustard
2T. Worchestershire Sauce
2t. Lemon juice
dash of Tobasco
1 Can undiluted Tomato Soup

Salt and pepper the steaks on both sides.  Brown meat, onion, celery and garlic in hot oil.  Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.  Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes.  If you plan to freeze this recipe this is the point where you would do that.  Place in a freezer bag with the juice and freeze.

Thaw completely on cooking day.  Transfer to a covered casserole with all of the juices and bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees for 1 1/2-2 hours (until tender)

This is fabulous served with mashed potatoes because it has a gravy of sorts.  If you try it let me know what you think!

A Sincere Question

I have been teaching my girls  1 Corinthians 13:4-8.  It is an important passage of scripture.  Many of us have read this passage over and over, but I wonder if we have ever grasped the full meaning of it? 

I pose a question to you this week and invite you to this blog site to give your answer n the comments:

Love does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth.

This part has me thinking.   Sure, we use it on our kids when we teach them not to tattle, but how far do the implications reach for us?  If I am out to "persuade" someone on my side of the argument, I am likely to point out the negatives on their side of the argument.  When does it go too far?

If I spend all of my time criticizing something to convince the world that it is wrong, is that rejoicing in wrongdoing?  

Let's use the obvious as an example.  If I am pulling for a certain candidate in an election, would it be right for me to persuade others by using the negative things the opponents have done?  Or is that rejoicing in their wrongdoing?

I am looking forward to hearing your perspective on this. 

A Visit with Indiana's Top Executive

I count myself blessed to be part of a home school co-op.  We have been part of one for a year now, and we are moving quickly into a new year with new topics, and new learning adventures!

Last year, Emma was part of a United Stated Geography class.  The class had completed a quilt of the 50 states.  We were not sure what to do with the quilt when we were done.  We decided to try to give it to someone in government where it can be displayed.  We contacted the office of Mitch Daniels office and were contacted right away about the opportunity to present the quilt to the Governor of Indiana.  Below are some pictures of our memorable day!

Governor Daniels spent about 20-30 minutes talking with the kids about their quilt squares and asking questions about what they learned.

The table in this pic was made by inmates at the correctional center in Westville, IN.  It was an incredible work of art!

The kids helped the Governor carry the quilt over to his couch where he said he would store and display it. 

Opening the "gift"

We had a wonderful day.   A BIG BIG thanks to Renee for coming up with the idea of making a quilt AND doing all of the quilting.  It looked great.