Grace, Forgiveness, and Chicken n' Dumplings!

Let me tell you about a time when I cried over chicken and dumplings. 

Brandon got home for a couple days break from tour and all he wanted was a "creamy-snuggly-comfort" soup. Well, what fits that more than a really good batch of chicken and dumplings? So I whipped up a great batch of them. I mean the broth was like a warm blanket, the dumplings were creamy and dumpling-y (yes I made a word up for y'all), and the chicken melted in your mouth. So good.

Now, we haven't made this meal in a while because we were pretty suspicious that I was lactose-intolerant. In my mind, that's a sissy intolerance, trust the Lord to really humble me. 

My husband hardly ever asks for something that I can't have as well. Knowing he wouldn't ask, I went ahead and made the decision to make them. 

So, I went ahead and made the dumplings. I'm talking delicious broth full of carrots, celery, onion, chicken, and all the seasonings. Add the dumplings (which is Brandon's epic recipe. Secret ingredient = cream cheese *chefs kiss*) and it's truly a magical experience. 

It's also a very nostalgic meal for us. Before I found out I was lactose intolerant Brandon made me this soup when I visited him for the first time (the third time I've seen him in person and in the middle of our engagement, yes, our marriage story is a bit crazy...a post for another time!) Nostalgia and warmth are just a huge part of this experience.

ANYWAYS, at this moment you're saying to yourself "Hannah...get to the point".

Well once the meal was made I convinced myself that one dumpling would be fine, no worries or problems. Ladies and gentlemen, after one dumpling I was out of it and off. Everything felt weird, I had a headache, my stomach could not handle anything, and all the problems just decided to have a party. 

I cried. So disappointed and bummed out. I truly thought I could handle it and I was just overreacting.

Later I couldn't help but think "How often is sin like this?"

How often do we think we can have one bite and be okay?

It's always a temptation that we think we can handle, a situation we think we can go in and win based on our own accord. One more look, one more conversation behind their back, one more touch, one more drink...

One more seldom ends there. 

We're habitual beings, making it hard to break old habits and develop new ones. Those "top 5 things to change your habits" "be a new person in 14 days" and "track and grow yourself with this new and easy ____ " just are not long-lasting solutions. They can help and you'll find some growth, but it'll be like seeds tossed onto shallow ground. They'll take a small root but then wither away under the heat of the sun. 

Just one "dumpling" can do more damage than you thought. 

So can one look.

One conversation behind someone's back.

One touch

One drink.   

Thankfully we have the gift of grace and forgiveness. When we are weak, the Lord is gracious and strong.

Titus 2:11-15

For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men, Instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and wordly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world; looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works. 

These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

Here are just a few bullet points of my thoughts on the scripture above.

- The Father sacrificed Jesus on the cross for our sins so that we may live eternally with him. On the third day, Jesus defeated death and rose again. We get to live worshiping him and live in a relationship with him. 

- The grace of God appeared; this beautiful gift of Him being able when we are unable.

- He instructs us with the intent that we will deny ungodliness and worldly lusts (those dang dumplings when you shouldn't have any).

- Living soberly (both heart and mind), righteously, and godly in this world. 

- Pursuing this blessed hope and living in the light. Living in worship.

- Striving to be quick to forgive and ask for forgiveness, resting in the knowledge that he redeems and restores. 

- Hold fast to these things. Jesus is alive and there is hope.

When that dumpling comes into your life and you think you can handle it, lean into Holy Spirit and say no. Chances are you can't, and that is okay. Saying no is not a weak action. 

What moments in your life are you struggling to say no to? Take a moment to surrender them to the Lord again, leaning into the grace He's given you through salvation with the intent that you'll be able to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. Write them down. Take three deep breaths when that moment arises, reminding your soul that it is well.

As a believer, you are so equipped for life and growth. The Holy Spirit lives and dwells in you, guiding you and comforting you in those moments. 

If you've never experienced the gift of salvation or accepted Christ as your Savior, reach out. Find a church, a friend, or a family member, and take that leap of faith. You are created for a purpose and oh so valued in the eyes of God the Creator. Created and knitted together in such a beautiful way. 

Live in the light my friend, it's beautiful here. 

For cozy reasons, because it's soup season, and they really are the best dumplings, here's the chicken and dumpling recipe! 

1lb Chicken Thighs

Oil (for pan)

1 Onion

A few cloves of Garlic

1 Stalk of Celery

1 Cup of Carrots

64oz Chicken Bone Broth

Half + Half (measure with heart) 

Seasonings: Salt + Pepper (season with your heart and use seasonings you love in soups! We love Meat Church Holy Gospel for just about anything!)

Dumplings: 

1 Pack of Cream Cheese

2 Eggs

1 Cup of Flour (We use the Bob's Red Mill 1:1 Gluten Free Flour) 

Directions: 

Cut up chicken and saute over some oil. 

Add diced onion and garlic, and cook until onion is transparent. 

Add celery and carrots. 

Add broth. 

Season well 

Bring to a simmer and let cook through. 

In a separate bowl combine all dumpling ingredients. 

Drop dumplings (using a spoon to scoop a bite-size out) into the soup. 

Cook until dumplings are done. 

Bowl up and enjoy! 

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