I know you’ve been there. When you had what you thought was the best news ever, and it fell flatter than a pancake? I totally feel your pain. So, last week we had some extra exciting news for the girls. They’ve been asking for a beach trip pretty much all year, and we just hadn’t been able to make it happen due to busy schedules, etc. You know how it goes. Anyhoo, we finally booked a place and I was so excited about telling them. So I might have been a little dramatic in my announcement to gather around for some big news. You should have seen me, about to adjust my superwoman cape as I cleared my throat. This was going to blow their minds, and we were about to be heroes. After the drum rolls and all, I zealously declared that we’re going to the beach. Cue confetti, hugs, and “you’re the best mommy ever” applause right about now. Or not…..the moment was a total letdown. My younger one was excited, but the older one looked so disappointed, and I couldn’t figure out why! Until a few minutes later, she spurted out “I really thought you were going to announce that we are having another baby”. I laughed so hard, I snorted. No, Ma’am!!!! Girl, I’ve got all my kids potty trained and bathing themselves. That ship done sailed, Sister!! Sheesh… I guess you can’t win all the battles.
I might have poured some cold water on that particular dream, but I do have a battle that is an easy win. A simple, delicious grilled chicken recipe, that will elevate your chicken game. The marinade is the perfect balance of sweet from the honey, and savory from the lemon, rosemary, and dijon mustard. I marinate my chicken overnight if I can, but if you don’t have that much time, a couple hours would be OK. I also cut slits into my chicken before marinating, to allow the marinade to soak into the chicken fully.
No grill…. no worries. Just bake the chicken at 375 degrees F for about 35-45 minutes, until the chicken is no longer pink, and has an internal temp of 165 degrees F. I would flip the chicken over half way through the baking and baste with the drippings.
Happy grilling.
- 12 skinless, bone-in chicken thighs
- ⅓ cup lemon juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh rosemary
- Cut slits in chicken or poke holes in it.
- Mix the lemon juice, olive oil, honey, dijon, garlic, salt, and rosemary together. (You can blend, too). In a bowl or large Ziploc bag, combine the chicken with the marinade.
- Marinate in fridge for at least 2 hours, and preferably overnight.
- Discard the marinade and grill the chicken on a hot grill until it is no longer pink inside, and reaches 165 degrees F. (about 8-10 minutes each side)
Weekly reflection:
I heard a guy on the radio speak of the story of Lazarus, and it resonated with me so much that I went back to study it. I have heard this passage and read it countless times, but that morning, I saw it in a new light. The story found in John 11 is a detailed account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. I would highly recommend reading it if you have a few minutes. This is a classic Jesus situation because Jesus was in no hurry at all. He is informed that Lazarus is gravely ill, and in John 11:4, He declares that Lazarus will live, and not die. And then what does he do? John 11:6., he stays on for 2 more days, before leaving to go and attend to Lazarus. By the time he arrived, Lazarus had been in the TOMB for 4 days. You can sense the frustration of the sisters of Lazarus because they felt that Jesus had failed to come to their rescue in time.
I totally relate to these gals. I am a doer by nature. I want to be in constant motion, and I want to see situations working in constant motion too. When I don’t see God working on an issue, I feel stressed and overwhelmed. Trust in the face of an “inactive” season is so hard! Yet what is faith? It is the assurance of things hoped for. If I can see it, I do not need faith at all! Jesus took his time, as he did in so many stories in the Bible because he knew that the work was already done. God had already provided everything Lazarus would need to live, so it was not an emergency. The same scenario played out with Jairus daughter, in Luke 8:40-56.
Time and time again, God shows us that what seems impossible with man, is no feat for Him. I need to learn to trust in that. To fully surrender and trust that even with things that seem insurmountable, God has full authority. Even nature, which answers to no man bows at His command. Winds and waves, the skies and the creatures of the earth respond to His authority. Nothing is too difficult for Him. What seems to be an emergency to me was known to Him from the beginning of time, so He does not have to answer to my timeline. He has already made provision long before I was ever aware of my need.