Bryan, myself and our boys spent ten days with Bryan’s grandmother, MawMaw. She is a gem and a wealth of information. It has taken me 39 years, but I am learning to be quiet to listen and learn. I listened a lot during this time.

My favorite time with her was when I was helping her with her bedtime routine. It was just me and her. We would get on a topic and out of her mouth would come little pearls of wisdom.

MawMaw and I discussed an interesting story in the Bible one night. In John 9, Jesus is with the disciples and he walks by a blind man. This man was born blind and the disciples want to know who had sinned, the man or his parents. Let’s stop here because this is where MawMaw and I stopped. Really? They asked if this man had sinned. He was born blind.  Yes, I know we are born with a sinful nature, but the disciples were looking for a cause for this mans blindness and they were grasping at anything, even though it didn’t make sense.

There was a reason, and it was because Jesus the Son of God came to show the world his power and the works of God by healing this man. Trying to figure out with my finite mind why someone is experiencing suffering isn’t in my job description as a Christ follower.

My job is to be an agent of  comfort and encouragement to the suffering.

Romans 12:15 & 16 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

I’ve said stupid things to people who were hurting because I didn’t ask God for wisdom first. Pray and ask God for wisdom.

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God ,who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

It is not my job to solve the problem of the person who is suffering. Pray for them.

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus

Be a friend to the one who is suffering. Those who have experienced long time pain and suffering usually have few friends. Look at Job of the Bible. His friends weren’t true friends.

If you are concerned that someone you might be comforting is suffering due to sin, follow these same guidelines because only God knows for sure.

I recently discovered I am gluten and dairy intolerant. Changing my diet is more difficult when trying to cook one meal for me and another for my family. Being gluten free doesn’t mean you’re not eating bread any more there is a lot more involved. Reading the book The Gluten Connection helped me understand where gluten finds itself.

I’m on the hunt to find recipes and food we can all eat. It makes preparation and cooking so much easier. This recipe is now added to that list. Everyone loved this and it didn’t make me sick!

I found the recipe on a blog full of recipes but I changed it up a bit.

Gingerlemongirl.blogspot.com

Sweet and Sour Chicken (Gluten Free)

1-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
2-6 tablespoons oil, for frying chicken
-or-
Non-stick cooking spray or olive oil for spritzing on chicken for baking

Coating Ingredients:
1/2 cup brown rice flour 1/2 cup white rice flour
1/2 cup sweet rice flour 1/2 cup GF pancake mix
1 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons garlic granules (like Spike)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon onion powder

Sauce Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 1/2 teaspoons white vinegar
1 cup water
2 tablespoons GF soy sauce
3 tablespoons ketchup
Add a small can sliced pineapple with juice.

Directions:

1. In a medium-sized container with a tight fitting lid, mix all coating ingredients together. Add chicken pieces, replace lid tightly, and shake to coat chicken.

2. To Fry Chicken: Add oil to a large, heavy bottomed skillet and heat oil over medium-hot heat. Drop in coated chicken, and fry until chicken pieces are browned and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels.
To Bake Chicken: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly spritz coated chicken with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken is crispy and cooked through. (Can make sauce while chicken is baking!)

3. In a large saucepan, whisk together all sauce ingredients. Heat until mixture boils, whisking/stirring constantly. Mixture will appear reddish-gray at first, just continue to whisk until mixture turns a translucent, glassy, bright red color. It may take 5-10 minutes for this to occur. When mixture turns that wonderful shiny bright red color, take it off the heat. Pour over chicken pieces and toss to coat. Serve over cooked rice or pasta with sauteed veggies!

Enjoy!