Slow Cooking Thursday

I can't believe it's Thursday again. The days seem to be flying by! I have a great sandwich recipe for you today that my family always likes. I hope you do too!
.
Tangy Beef Barbecue Sandwiches
3 cups chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
2 cups ketchup
1 cup water
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 boneless chuck roast (3-4 pounds) with fat trimmed off
16 split hamburger buns
In slow cooker combine all ingredients but roast and buns, mix well. Add roast and cook on high for 7-8 hours until meat is very tender. Remove roast and cool. Shred meat and return to sauce; heat thoroughly. Serve on bun using slotted spoon.

For more slow cooking recipes, visit Sandra at Diary of a SAHM.

Bloom where you are planted

The other day I pulled into a store parking lot and noticed this little weed growing right in the asphalt. It struck me that it was growing there with no visible dirt and hot surroundings.

Then I remembered another example of growing in a difficult place. The picture below is of Seasons Flowers, the florist where my daughter Laura works. If you look closely, you will notice a little purple splotch where the parking lot meets the sidewalk.

This is what you are seeing. It's a little petunia. It has been growing there, blooming with different colors all summer!

This makes me think about myself, and where I am planted. It's been a difficult situation at my work recently. New forms, new reports and it seems much more is expected in the same amount of time. I've been frustrated and I'm sorry to say that I've been more like the weed. I'm there, doing what I need to do, but not always with a smile and often complaining to friends and family. I think God calls us to be more like the little petunia and bloom. He puts us in the situations we are in for a reason and I don't think it's to just get through it. I am going to pray for more strength and patience and try to bloom where I am planted!

A visit to our favorite radio staion

Last week Heather and I made a visit to WJQ, the radio station we listen to. They play contemporary christian music. They have a special thing going where you can sign up and win things. I was notified that I had won a pound of fudge and to come in and pick it up. Both Heather and I had a day off together, so she came along for the ride. We expected to just go in and pick up the fudge and leave, but instead were welcomed and got to meet some of the DJ's. We met Mandy from the morning show, Gary from afternoons, and Jeremy who can be heard at various times. They were all very nice, talked to us for a few minutes and asked about our opinions on the station. It was a pleasant surprise. After that we had lunch at a sandwich shop I've heard good things about, but because it's not real near us I haven't had an opportunity to go. It's called Wolfies and it was really good. We both had a turkey bacon panini with herb dressing. There were lots of good sounding sandwiches and I'll be going back again and I recommend it to anyone who lives in the area. It was a nice day out!