Bad Weather, Being Intentional in Prayer & Sharing Soup!

Depending on where you live, you may be experiencing extreme weather - and the clean up/dig out which follows. I know what it is like to receive snow, ice, wind - basically unpleasant weather - and experience no longer having power, warmth and running water in your home when the weather took out your power. I do live in Michigan, and did end up having Christmas dinner at the local iHop when our power went out this past Christmas!

Here in Michigan we did not experience the severe weather many of you did in other parts of the country this past weekend, but those of you who did are in my thoughts and prayers.

When you - or other areas of our country, or even world - experience severe weather and the ensuing difficulties, it is an excellent opportunity to model for your grandchildren what compassion and love look like lived in our everyday lives by first of all, engaging them in praying for those who are experiencing the weather/difficulties. Pray with them and make prayer reminders (draw/write on paper the situation - weather - and what you are praying about, then fold into thirds and tape edges to make a "table talker tent") for them to put on their table at home to help them remember to continue to pray.

And, if you have power, but neighbors - or others in your area do not, this is the perfect day to make a nice, big pot of homemade soup (have your grandchildren help you) and share with someone who does not have power. Why is this the perfect day to make soup, you may ask??? Because January is Soup Month!

So, in the spirit of Soup Month, I'm happy to share with you one of my favorite soup recipes . . . Cheesy, Potato Soup . . . sure to warm anyone who eats it!

Ingredients -

• Potatoes - cut into cubes - use as many as you need to make a nice pot of soup!
• Ham - cut into cubes - use about 1/4 to 1/3 of the amount of potatoes you have.
• Sharp cheddar cheese - cut into small pieces/slices or shredded - use to taste . . . I use a fair amount, but then I like the "cheesy" part of my Cheesy Potato Soup!
• Water
• Can milk - when I make one dutch oven size batch, I use two cans
• Butter - about 3 tablespoons
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Garlic, onions - to taste if you like (optional)

Directions - 

1. Cut potatoes and place in your pot.
2. Cover with water and cook until potatoes are soft.
3. Add ham, milk, cheese, salt and pepper and reduce heat.
4. Cook - stirring from time to time - until broth is warm and cheese is melted.
5. Add butter.
6. Enjoy!

Yes, this is not a low-calorie/fat soup, but when it is cold it is tasty, filling and warming . . . perfect for bad weather!

Take your soup - and your grandchildren - and share with someone who needs a warm meal . . . or, if you have power, invite them to come to your warm home and enjoy the soup with you!