God of Wonders

This past weekend we went camping on Cayo Costa Island. I mean "real camping". Yeah, so we rented one of the twelve cabins on the island but to get a better, more accurate visual of these cabins, I heard them best described when one lady asked a park ranger if there were any "huts" available to rent. They were one room shacks with three windows and just enough room inside to fit a picnic table and three bunk beds. No electricity, no running water and no creature comforts.

The island requires a ferry ride there and back so quick trips to Wal-Mart or the grocery story if you forgot something are not an option. There are bathrooms on the island and COLD showers but in all honesty, it is not camping for the faint of heart. There are tent sites available as well but we figured we would splurge on the aforementioned cabins and forgo the hassle of trying to keep three kids in and a million insects out of a tent. We enjoyed our 'hut' and were able to spend time as a family without the distraction of phones, televisions and computers. It was wonderful.

The first day on the island was typical of a summer day in Florida. It was hot and humid but as the sun set and the stars came out, the wind off the gulf picked up and it was absolutely gorgeous out. That night we walked to the beach, listened to the waves crash and stared up at the countless stars. The cool wind was salty and smelled of the ocean and as I sat there in awe of God's amazing work I realized that just a few nights earlier as I was drilling Easton on his memory verse for Cubbies I didn't notice the significance of the words he was repeating back to me. I was so focused on him remembering the verse so he could earn a patch that I had failed to realize, "Through Him all things were made..." (John 1:3)

The verse I was saying over and over just two nights before suddenly came alive and though I have always known God made everything it became tangibly clear to me that the ocean, the sand, the trees, the birds, the stars, everything I was experiencing and enjoying at that moment was made by God. It sounds ridiculous to forget but so often I take for granted God's creation and fail to acknowledge that everything, everything was made by Him and with just a word from His mouth. There were no blueprints, no manual, no directions to follow just our creative and awesome God speaking into creation our incredible and complex universe. Through Him ALL things were made.

Something easy for you to say you made is what's for dinner tonight. Chicken Cacciatore with rice and roasted broccoli and cauliflower. And if you're feeling a little brave, plan a camping trip with your family and be reminded of all the good things God has made for us to enjoy. Visit http://www.floridastateparks.org/ for local campgrounds.

Easy Chicken Cacciatore
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cups spaghetti sauce
1 1/2 cups water
1 green pepper, cut into strips
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1 1/2 cups instant rice, uncooked

Cook chicken and onion in oil in a large skillet until lightly browned, stirring often. Add spaghetti sauce and next five ingredients; stir well. Bring mixture to a boil; stir in rice. Cover, remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Serve with roasted broccoli and cauliflower.

Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower
1 head of broccoli, cut into bite size florets
1 head of cauliflower, cut into bite size florets
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place broccoli and cauliflower florets on a cookie sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic, salt and pepper. Toss well and bake until tender.