Archive for category Family

Grilling at the Howell House

Posted by John in Family, love more - fight less on May 31, 2010

I totally love to cook. It’s one of my hidden passions. I love the creative aspect of combining ingredients that ultimately end up in a tasty dinner. When I get a chance to grill – it’s even better!

I really like to grill on my charcoal Weber grill. It takes three times as long as a gas grill – but I love the classic flavor that charcoal brings to the food. I’ve found that with the time that it takes to get the grill ready, it’s best to have a bunch of food ready to go so that I can make use of the grill. So I try to cook for the whole week when I grill.

On top of that, today is Memorial Day and what better way to honor our fallen heroes then to grill out! So – without further ado – here’s what’s on the menu for Memorial Day!

For Lunch

1 lb ground beef

1 egg

Spicecraft Prime Steak &Beef Burger seasoning

Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning

Worcester Sauce

I’ll mix these all together and it’ll make about 5 patties and give us three for lunch and two for leftovers!

For the rest of the week

8 boneless chicken breasts, marinated in Lawrey’s Lemon Pepper marinade for 2 hrs.

I’ll cut this up into strips and then we’ll put them into some avocado wraps with lettuce, tomato’s, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing and guacamole. That’ll be our lunches for the week!

For Dinner

Two New York Strip Steaks

Marinated for 5 hours in:

Garlic Powder

Canola Oil

Kosher Salt

Pepper

Italian Seasoning

McCormic’s Seasoning Salt

Spicecraft Prime Steak &Beef Burger seasoning

Jack Daniel’s Steak Sauce

Worcester Sauce

Veggies

1 white onion chopped

1 whole garlic – cloves separated and shelled

2 tbs of butter

Mushrooms

Crab stuffing

Topped with cheddar cheese

2 tbs of butter

That’ll keep the grill going all day!

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Briley Ann and Seeing Things

Posted by John in Family on January 13, 2010

I’ve got a new niece. Her name is Briley Ann. My brother texted me that she was born and added the comment – can you build her a website? My initial question is – what does an hour old infant have to say? I guess we’ll find out.

It’s interesting that my family thinks technology first. We’ve been this way as long as I can remember. My Grandpa Howell always saw more than other people and could wrap his mind around most problems to fix. My dad and brother are the same way – both brilliant in taking difficult and obscure details and compiling them into a workable and easily understood tools or resources. I believe that I have that same skill, although it’s manifested itself in the field of ministry and technology. I don’t know where this skill comes from, but I’m thankful for being able to be aware and to see things that others don’t. My one concern is that I hope I’m seeing the things I should be seeing and not just the things I want to be seeing.

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In the Midst of a Struggle

Posted by John in Family, Integrity, Leadership, Lessons Learned, Truth on June 1, 2009

In the midst of this current struggle Cristin and I are facing, I find that I may be the most satisfied with God that I’ve ever been. Though our future is uncertain and our way is unclear, I am seeking to praise Him in all things. While I’m not at liberty to share what exactly is going on, I can share some other things I know in reference to this experience:

I know that this experience that Cristin and I are going through may be the very best experience we’ve ever had, but it’s sure is tough getting started on the path towards the future.

I know that nothing happens on earth without the blessing of heaven, and so I thank God for all that has transpired in the last few days, weeks, and months.

I know that God has a plan for us and a desire to use us for His glory and that He will do whatever it takes to bring others to a knowledge of Him, even if it doesn’t make sense to us.

I know that in the midst of this struggle, that God is enough. That He is good; He will take care of us; He will satisfy us; He will get us through this; He is our treasure.

I know that I can claim the words of Psalm 73:25-26 where it says, “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

I know that in everything I do and say I seek to glorify God, regardless of the cost.

I know that my purpose is not to question how God is doing His job, but rather to continually and intentionally place myself in a position of surrender and follow God’s leadership and to thank God for His mercy that He hasn’t asked me to go through this without Him.

So, in the midst of a struggle, that’s what I know. If you have a moment, both Cristin and I would greatly appreciate a prayer for wisdom and guidance. Thanks for reading.