Pray For Us Friday- Update

Sooo, if any of you have missed me this week (haha), it's because our computer has been on the blink! But it's working at the moment so I thought I would share some good news! :) I have also cooked several new recipes this week and I had a party post planned for September 1st because September is a big birthday month in my family... but I guess that will all have to wait until next week... here's to hoping our computer actually works next week! haha ;)

On to the good news...

Do you remember the Kintigh family from our last Pray For Us Friday post? Anna Kintigh's husband had been without a job for almost a year and he had recently gotten a new job but they desperately needed to sell their house so that they could move as a family to the location of his new job. To read the whole post go here. Anyway, I got an email from Anna yesterday saying that they finally sold their house!! Praise the LORD!!! What an answer to prayer... and just in time! They sold their house just 2 days before they had planned to move... God's timing is so perfect! :)

Thanks to all who prayed for the Kintigh family and thanks to Anna for sharing her prayer and praise with us!! :)

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SO, now let's talk about Pray For Us Friday. You may have noticed that I haven't done a PFUF post in quite some time. I decided to take a break for the summer because I haven't been a regular poster or reader of my own blog or any other blog during the summer and I'm sure that many of you are the same way. BUT, fall is just around the corner and life is starting to get back on a schedule. I plan to do a lot more posting and a lot more reading (if our computer can hold up!). I also plan to start regular PFUF posts again but I can't do it without your help. PLEASE email me with your prayer requests and recipes so we can all join together and pray for each other and cook together again this fall. I think it will be a lot of fun with your participation. I look forward to hearing from you! :) AND if you are a new reader and you don't know what in the world I am talking about, you can read all about Pray For Us Friday here.

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Finally, if you made it all the way through this pictureless post, have a FABULOUS looong weekend!! And come back next week for some new recipes, a post about birthday parties and maybe even a new Pray For Us Friday!! :)

Pray For Us Friday

Pray For Us Friday is back!!! And I am SO excited about it!!

Today we are praying for...

Anna Kintigh and her family

In October of last year, Anna's husband stepped down from his pastoral position because the church that he was serving in was having financial problems and they could no longer pay his salary without cutting the funding for missions.

Since that time, he has been working for Anna's parents as he tries to find a new pastoral position. In addition to the job search, they have been trying to sell their house since last September.

About a week ago, the Kintigh's had their second interview with a church and they finally feel like this is where God wants them to be... but they still haven't sold their house.

Anna told me that she believes strongly in the power of having many pray on her family's behalf and I couldn't agree more! Please join me in praying that the Kintigh's house will sell VERY soon so that their whole family (they also have 2 small children) can be together and settled in a new home when Anna's husband begins his new position!!

And here is the recipe that Anna shared with us!!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients:

1 lb. chicken, cooked and cut up

2 t. oil

1 cup chopped onions

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 (14.5 oz) can of whole tomatoes with juice

1 (24 oz) can tomato sauce

6 cups chicken broth

1 cup frozen corn

2 t. ground chili powder

1 t. salt

2 t. dried basil

2 t. ground cumin

2 T. diced canned chilies

2 T. lime juice

1 can black beans

Directions:

Add all ingredients into a pot and bring to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes. If you like a bolder taste, you can add ingredients into a pot or crock pot and cook for longer. Garnish with Cilantro, cheese, sour cream, salsa and chips.

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Anna, thank you so much for sharing your prayers and your recipe today. We will definitely intercede on your family's behalf and thank God for answering your first prayer of finding a new church home and a new position for your husband!

Please let us know when your house sells! :)

Pray For Us Friday

Today we are praying for...

My sweet and beautiful friend, Haleigh

Haleigh and I have been friends for a very long time. We went to middle school and high school together, we were college roommates and she was a bridesmaid in my wedding.

A few weeks ago, (you may have heard about this on the news) she was attacked in her home, severely beaten and almost kidnapped. Her bruises are almost gone now but she still has a lot of emotional scars to deal with. Please pray for Haleigh in her healing process but also thank the LORD that she is alive and able to heal.

*****For your peace of mind, I would like to add that the man that attacked Haleigh has been caught. Also, Haleigh would like for her story to be an example for women everywhere to be very careful about who you trust and especially who you let into your home.*****

Last night, Haleigh cooked dinner for the first time since her attack and she wants to share that meal plan with us because she said it's very easy and delicious. It's great for an easy night at home or for entertaining!!

On her menu: Baked potato bar, salad with a sweet vinaigrette and an ice cream dessert.

For the potato bar, she rubbed the outside of several baking potatoes with olive oil and sea salt, wrapped them in foil and baked them for 2 hours at 400 degrees. Then she prepared the following toppings: chopped broccoli, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, butter, sour cream and chives. Sounds delicious!!

Then she made a salad with romaine lettuce, mixed greens, pitted cherries, blackberries, cucumbers and sugared slivered almonds. She topped the salad with a sweet vinaigrette. Here's the vinaigrette recipe:

Mix the following ingredients together and shake well:

1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 T. apple cider vinegar

2 T. sugar

1/4 t. parsley

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. chopped garlic

dash of Louisiana hot sauce

lemon pepper (a few shakes)

Then for dessert, she placed a Pilsbury pie crust out on a cookie sheet and cut it into 2 in. strips and baked it (according to package instructions). Then she broke the strips into several bowls and topped with ice cream and fresh strawberries.

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A special thanks to Haleigh for being so open with us and also for sharing these delicious ideas!! Please join me in praying for her on her journey of healing!!

Have a GREAT weekend!! :)

Pray For Us Friday

Today we are praying for...

Brittany, Jeremy and Rhett

They are going through a difficult time as both Brittany's mom and Jeremy's mom are dealing with cancer in some way. I don't want to get any of the details wrong, so, I will let Brittany tell you in her own words:

"My mother in law has been battling colon cancer for a little over a year. At the end of last week, she ended up in the emergency room in severe pain. She was hospitalized, and this Monday had another (her third) surgery. (The second surgery in about 2-3 weeks). She is winning her battle, but has been through a lot and has a long road ahead. Could you please ask for prayer for her healing, strength, and strength for her family as they watch her battle (and win) this terrible disease!

Secondly, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer 3 years ago. She had a double mastectomy, and has since had several (too many to count) surgeries to reconstruct her breasts. The reconstructions have all failed, either developing severe infections, leaking, etc. She is scheduled for another reconstruction this Tuesday (a much more serious one using her own tissue—and one that will keep her in ICU over night). I would really appreciate prayers for quick healing for her as this has been a long journey. I would also appreciate prayers for the doctors performing the surgery."

That is a lot for one family to handle! Please please join me in praying for Brittany's and Jeremy's moms and both of little Rhett's grandmas during this time.

And here is the recipe that Brittany shared with us:

Quick Chicken Parm Pasta

Ingredients:

2 cups Rotini pasta, uncooked

1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen, chopped broccoli

1 (6 oz.) pkg. pre-cooked fajita style chicken strips (Recommended: Oscar Mayer)

2 T. olive oil

1/4 to 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese

1 tomato, coarsely chopped

Directions:

Cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt. Meanwhile, microwave broccoli on high in a medium microwavable bowl for 5 minutes. Stir in chicken and microwave 2 minutes or until heated through; drain. Drain pasta, place in a large bowl. Add oil and cheese, toss to coat. Add broccoli mixture and tomatoes; mix lightly.

Brittany's tips to enhance the recipe:

Instead of pre-cooked chicken, she suggests grilling and chopping boneless, skinless chicken breasts. She also added 1/4-1/2 bottle of her favorite Italian dressing (Ken's Northern Italian) and a few thinly sliced red onions.

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Thank you, Brittany for sharing your heart and your recipe with us! Please know that we are praying for your family and please keep us updated on your mom's surgery and your mother-in-law's remaining battle!

Pray For Us Friday

Today we are praying for...

Derek and Jennifer Edwards

Jennifer has been one of my best friends since the 4th grade. She and Derek got married in March and they are now living in Dallas, TX, for Derek to attend seminary. Since Derek's main job is attending school, it is really important for Jen to have a good job. PRAISE the Lord that she started a new job this week as a pre-school teacher. Please join me in praying for Derek and Jen as they make their new home in Dallas and pray for Jennifer as she begins this new job (and learns how to navigate this big city! :)).

A few months ago, Jennifer had a family wedding shower where everyone shared their favorite recipe with her. Someone shared this idea for a quick and easy meal and Jennifer said that it really is great!! So here's the recipe that she shared with us:

One-Dish Chicken Dinner

Ingredients:

boneless chicken breast tenders

2 cans french-cut green beans

1 stick of butter or margarine

1 envelope "Good Seasons" italian dressing

Lemon Pepper

8 small red potatoes

Directions:

Place chicken in a line down the center of a 9x13 baking dish. Drain green beans and pour on one side of the chicken. Slice potatoes and create a row for the other side of the chicken. Melt butter and mix in seasoning package. Pour mixture over the dish and sprinkle with lemon pepper. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour at 350- remove foil for the last 10 minutes!

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And Jen, I found this for you:

A Newcomer's Guide to Driving in Dallas

Thank you for praying for my sweet friend!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Friday!!

My favorite day of the week :)

Pray For Us Friday

Today we are praying for...

Allison and Baxter Drennon

Allison and Baxter got married this past December. Baxter will finish law school (in Fayetteville) next week and after he passes the bar this summer, he will begin a job in Little Rock. Allison has been living in central Arkansas without Baxter since February so she is anxious for him to finish school! Allison wants us to pray for Baxter as he finishes up law school and as he takes his last few finals. (As the wife of a law student myself, I know this is a very stressful time for their family!) Please also pray for Allison and Baxter as he studies for and takes (and passes!) the Bar Exam.

Allison shared, with us, her recipe for Red Beans and Rice... Baxter's favorite!

AND she's a rockstar because she even sent a picture!!

Red Beans and Rice

Ingredients:

2 T. Butter

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/4 cup onion chopped

1/4 cup green pepper chopped

16 oz. canned kidney beans

10-1/2 oz can beef broth

1 lb. smoked sausage

1/4 cup water

1t. garlic

1 t. oregano

1/4 t. red pepper

1/4 t. white pepper

1/4 t. black pepper

1-1/2 cups Minute Rice

1/2 to 1 lb. ground sausage

Directions:

Saute celery, onion and green pepper in butter in a 3 quart pot. Add beans, smoked sausage (cut into 1/2" slices), broth and spices. Stir and bring to a boil. Brown ground sausage in another pan. Add rice to pot, cover and remove from heat. After 10 minutes, add ground sausage. Mix all ingredients together and serve.

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Sounds delicious!! Thanks, Allison for sharing your heart and your recipe with us!! We will definitely be praying for you and Baxter during this busy and stressful but also exciting time in your life together! :)

Pray For Us Friday

Today we're praying for...

Corina Ramirez

Corina would like for us to pray that God will bless her family as well as the college ministry that her and her husband, Joe Ray, lead.

And here is the delicious recipe that she shared with us:

Sopapilla Cheesecake

Ingredients:

2 cans crescent rolls

3- 8oz pkgs. cream cheese, softened

2 cups sugar

2t. vanilla

2 t. cinnamon

1 stick oleo, melted

Directions:

Place one can of crescent rolls in 13x9 casserole dish. Mix cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups of sugar and vanilla until smooth. Spread cheese mixture over crust and place remaining crescent rolls on top. Mix 1/2 cup of sugar and cinnamon. Drizzle melted oleo over top; sprinkle with cinnamon/ sugar mixture. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes. Can be served warm or cold.

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Corina also shared this verse with us:

"God is able to do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine."

Ephesians 3:20

Please join me today in praying for the Ramirez family and trying out this tasty little dessert!

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Please email me (racheleabell@gmail.com) if you would like to share a prayer request and a recipe for next week's "Pray For Us Friday".

Pray For Us Friday

So, back in 1996, my family went on a mission trip with several other families from our church. In order to raise money for the trip, all the families that went on the trip created a "church cookbook" to sell and my mom was in charge of the whole process. It turned out to be an awesome cookbook and I still use many of the recipes out of it. Anyway, at the beginning of the book, there is a page that talks about prayer. It suggests that when you cook someone's recipe, you pray for them by name. If you know that person, you can pray for them specifically and if they are a stranger to you, you can pray that God will bring blessing upon their family. I think this is just such an awesome concept and I wanted to bring a version of that concept to my blog.

Here's the plan: You email me a recipe, I will post your recipe on my blog (on a Friday) with your name and a prayer request. If you don't have a specific prayer request or you don't feel comfortable sharing one, that's fine too! We can pray God's blessing on your family!

I decided to start with my sister-in-law, Julee Turner. Julee and her husband, Matt, have been trying for a baby for 16 months now. They have tried several different medications and nothing has worked so far. Julee will continue taking the fertility meds for one more month and if they still aren't working, she will return to the fertility specialist for a new plan. Please enjoy Julee's recipe for "Spicy Pot Roast" as you join us in praying that God will grant her the desires of her heart and give her a precious baby.

Here's a picture of Matt and Julee:

And here's Julee's recipe for "Spicy Pot Roast". She says it's Matt's favorite!

Spicy Pot Roast

Ingredients:

3-4 lb. beef pot roast

salt and pepper to taste

3/4 oz. package brown gravy mix

1/4 cup ketchup

2 t. dijon mustard

2 t. Dales seasoning

1/8 t. garlic powder

1 cup of water

Directions:

Sprinkle meat with salt and pepper. Place in slow cooker. Combine remaining ingredients and pour over meat. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

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"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone."

1 Timothy 2:1

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Please email me if you would like to submit a recipe and prayer request for next Friday's post!