So the story behind this is...I was just too.durn.busy yesterday. So here we are.
Growing up in a Baptist church, I never really celebrated Lent, but always respected those who did.
Anyone who can give something up for 41 days is a hero in my book.
Fat Tuesday kicks off Lent by allowing you to indulge in a big, hearty meal before you begin your 40 days of fasting. I'd like to propose that every once in a while you can have a Fat Wednesday... right?
If you are looking for ideas for Lent, I saw some great ideas on a devotional I read today:
a) 40 days of fasting: from luxury items
b) 40 days of prayer: A friend of mine is doing this-found an accountability buddy to text each other every morning to begin each day in prayer.
c) 40 days of praise: reading 1000 Gifts and recording 3 things you are thankful for every day.
I love these ideas, especially "c" because coincidentally I am reading 1000 Gifts by Anne VossKamp and loving it. The book encourages starting your days with thankfulness. And only after thankfulness comes blessings.
Who couldn't use a few more blessings?
So my 40 day Lenten challenge has begun. 40 Days of thanks & praise.
I am thankful for 65 degree weather in February, jambalaya, and mothers. I'm especially thankful for my mother this week.
How are you kicking off Lent?
Sausage & Chicken Jambalaya
1 8-oz package of andouille sausage, sliced into 1/2'' pieces
1 chicken breast, sliced into 1'' pieces
1 1/2 cups cooked rice
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
1 bell pepper, diced
1/2 onion, diced
1 tsp cayenne
1 tsp cumin
2 tbsp cajun seasoning
1 12 oz dark beer
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp evoo
Parmesan cheese for garnish
Over medium-high heat with evoo, saute Chicken and sausage for 6-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan. Reduce to medium heat and add butter, onion, and bell pepper and saute until pepper is tender and onions are translucent. (3-5 minutes)
Add undrained can of diced tomatoes, beer, cumin, cajun seasoning, and cayenne, and cook until the beer reduces by half for about 5 minutes. Add chicken, sausage, and rice to tomato sauce, and cook for 5 additional minutes, tasting and adding more seasoning for desired flavor and spice level.
Serve with parmesan cheese for garnish.
"Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name." 1 Chronicles 29:13