Wednesday Hodgepodge

Thank you Joyce for bringing us another fun Hodgepodge this week.

Please click HERE to join us and see how others have answered the following questions.

1. When you think about your future what do you fear most? Hope for the most?

First of all, my random thought will more completely answer this question.  But, my greatest fear is one day being a burden on my children.  I dread if/when I become unable to care for myself and am reliant on someone else.  Neither of my parents were ever a "burden" to us and I know this was one of their greatest concerns as well.  I pray God will be merciful to us and our children as well.

I hope most for the future to continue being able to travel and enjoy our children and grandchildren, and one day to be thrilled with great-grandchildren.

2. September is National Chicken Month. How often is chicken on the menu at your house? What's a favorite dish made with chicken? What's something you're a 'chicken' about doing or trying?

We purchase at least one rotisserie chicken a week.  I bone it and use it in a variety of ways from chicken salad, to casserole dishes or just plan sliced.  I also boil the carcass and freeze the strained broth for cooking with later.  So full of flavor.

Some of our favorite dishes are Chicken Pot Pie, Chicken Breasts in Sour Cream, Chicken Enchiladas, and Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken.  But my favorite would be
Chicken Spectacular

• 2 cups cooked chicken
• 1 (6 ounce) package Uncle Ben's combination wild and white rice, cooked
• 1 (10 ounce) can cream of celery soup
• 1 (3 ounce) jar sliced pimientos
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cups French style green beans, drained
• 1 cup mayonnaise (Hellman's)
• 1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, diced
• salt and pepper

Mix all ingredients.  Pour into a 2 1/2 or 3 quart casserole.  Bake 25 to 30 minutes at 350 degrees.  Serves 6.  To freeze do not cook prior to freezing.

I am a chicken about making dumplings.  We don't need them which is a good excuse.

3. What are three things you don't own but wish you did?

My want list is very small, in fact I can't think of a thing I really wish I had.  But, will play.
3.  A new body that could do yoga
2.  New SUV that would get 35 mpg
1.  A transport machine that would get me to family without hours on the road

4. Would you rather be a jack of all trades or a master of one? Elaborate.  If you answered one, which one?

I would rather be a master of one.  I would love to be a master painter and be able to inspire others with my vision.  I would also love to be able to sing again.

5. Ketchup or mustard? On what?

I rarely eat either one.  Ketchup on fries once in a while and mustard added to baked beans.

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

I recently read a blog that spoke to me. I tend to play out negative scenarios of what I would do should something bad happens.  What would I do if this happened, or would I be able to handle it if that happened, etc.  You get the idea.

The writer and I have that in common evidently.  While playing this "what-if" game with herself, the Lord spoke to her with this message:  "Those decisions feel overwhelming because I AM NOT THERE.  If you were to actually find yourself there, I would be there too and I would guide you in those decisions.  Amy, you can't dress rehearse tragedy."

Wow, that got my attention.  It isn't our job to dress rehearse tragedy.  In fact, if is a futile exercise.  God isn't in that, therefore, we accomplish only stress, frustration, and needless worry.

Amy closes this post with this statement:

"Dress rehearsals might be helpful in the theater, but they are pretty pointless in matters of real life.  Jesus doesn't come to our dress rehearsal.  But come show time, He always shows up, and the whole script changes."

"Seek Me and you will find Me when you seek Me with all of your heart.  I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back from captivity."  Jeremiah 29:12-13