John 3:16 Day & A Recipe

Sharing the love of Christ…

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

(John 3:16 NIV)

I was listening to KLOVE (radio station 94.3 here) this morning on the way to school and heard them talking about today being “John 3:16 Day”.  As I listened I thought of the  ways God has shown his love to our family lately.  His ways have been abundant.  Then I thought about how I show love toward others.  What does that look like for me?  While I selfishly admit that I can not fathom giving up one of my own children, it is clear that the vehicle I use is food – loving, nourishing food.

Recently, my sister met a guy.  A really neat guy and we had the opportunity to finally meet him face to face this last weekend.  That was not such an easy feat as he comes from California!  When I think of their story and how their paths have finally crossed and connections have been made, I clearly see God’s love for them.  So, when I heard that he was making a trip out this way, I wanted to show him our gratitude and our love in a specific way.  Naturally, I chose food… specifically a lunch, simple but loving.  Something to make him feel at home.  So, I made a Tomato & Navy Bean Soup with some other fixings.  It was all completely grain free (and gluten free by default)!

We were blessed in return during our time together as he brought some food samples of his own to share with us.  Very delicious salsa, lavender honey, spices and a grill rub.  We cannot wait to fire up the grill and try that rub out on something worthy as spring is now here and it is not too cold to be outside with the grill!  Here is the soup we made for that day…

Tomato & Navy Bean Soup (SCD)

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbls Olive Oil
• 1 Cup onion, chopped (use white or sweet onions)
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 28 oz. can Italian brand diced tomatoes (without sugar or spices/starches added for SCD)
• 3 – 4 cups Navy Beans (soaked overnight, rinsed and cooked in fresh water until just soft)
• 3 Cups Homemade Chicken stock (again, use homemade to avoid sugars and starches for SCD)
• 1 Tbls chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp dried oregano, crushed
• 3 fresh basil leaves, chopped (or 1/2 to 1 tsp dried basil, crushed)
• salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add onion and saute 3-5 minutes or until tender. Add garlic and stir in for 30 seconds until aromatic.
2. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy!

I pray that this inspires you to show others God’s love for them today (or any day for that matter).