Praying for the Problem

I'm not someone to spout political or controversial opinions all over the internet.  I prefer keeping those topics to personal conversations.  Not sure if this is breaking my rule, but I've been listening to lots of people's opinions about ISIS, Paris, terrorist bombings, and refugees.  I've been joining many in prayer for these things as well.

Suddenly, it hit me this afternoon that while I should 100% spend time in prayer for the victims , these people were victims of an overwhelming problem- a problem that was sorely neglected in my prayers.

While I do not profess to be a hugely knowledgeable person when it comes to the in-depth complexities of politics or middle eastern conflicts, I have some idea that this group of religious extremists are not people you sit down and negotiate with.  They have no defined country to invade and if you cut one down, more will come to uphold their cause.  Seems pretty hopeless.  Many say, "Let's bomb the bastards!" I'm not even going to get involved in that argument, as I personally have no bombs to drop. 

What I do have at my disposal is the ear of a great and mighty God who can change hearts, lives, and allegiances!  This is a weapon I will gladly wield against ISIS. I challenge believers everywhere, let's not only pray for the victims, families, and wounded;  join me in prayer for those planning future violent attacks, those who are beheading the innocent, and those who strategize against all we hold dear.   I choose to believe in a God that is bigger than the overwhelming issues we have in the world today and that God can overcome hatred and violence in a mighty way.  I also believe that our prayers are powerful and God hears every word!

I'll let you in on a secret, this is not something that is easy, and at first it didn't even feel "right."  At least not for me. However, Jesus said in Luke 6:32 that "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them."  Believers are called to love the unlovable, even when they threaten our lives, security, and freedoms.  Just look at Jesus' life and death and remember his sacrifice that extends to all who will come.

Easy Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole

This recipe is super easy!  I hadn't made it in a while, but recently brought it back and it's just as easy and delicious as it use to be. 

Ingredients:
-Two large chicken breast cut into strips
-Box of pasta (12oz)
-One jar of ragu double cheddar
-One can of cream of chicken soup
-Chicken broth 32oz (you can just use water, but I think the broth makes it better)
-Cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Pour the uncooked pasta in a 9x13 glass pan and cover with chicken broth.  Place raw chicken cut into strips on top of uncooked pasta and broth.  Pour ragu and cream of chicken soup on top of chicken.  Cover with aluminum foil and cook for 45 mins. 

Remove from oven and sprinkle cheddar cheese on top and place back in oven for 10-15mins.  Turn oven to broil for 2-3mins before removing to get that browning on top of the cheese.  Let stand for 10-15 mins, otherwise it will be runny.

If you prefer thicker chicken you will want to double check to be sure it's cooked all the way through

You could always make it more healthy by adding broccoli or another veggie!

Plus, the pasta, ragu, and cream of chicken soup are all included in the Kroger mega sale!