RECIPE: New Life for Left-Overs

RECIPE: New Life for Left-Overs

Thursday, July 10, 2025

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Image: Condiments by Gail K. Kachnycz 10 July 2025

RECIPE: NEW LIFE FOR LEFT-OVERS by Gail K. Kachnycz 10 July 2025

     In anticipation of relocating while internal repairs are made to the house, I am trying to empty out the fridge and freezer. As you can see from the image for this post, Mike buys in bulk: half gallons of Barbecue Sauce, cases of canned corn and baked beans. There is another full case of beans not even pictured here. My mother grew up during the Depression, so tossing food was unthinkable. I try to find some ways to use things up, but it makes for some interesting combinations. One of my "go-to" recipes is chili made in a slow cooker. It is different every time, depending on what needs to be used up. For example, burgers were sent home from the family July 4 gathering. I cut them up and cooked them in a can of Manwich. That will be the meat for the chili. Left over salsa dip? In it goes. BBQ sauce? About 1/4 cup will add a sweet compliment to the heat of the salsa. I usually use red kidney beans, black beans, and garbanzos (chick peas) for visual variety, but this time around the regular baked beans will go in. I always add a can of corn for eye appeal and sweetness. The last batch I made used up a jar of Bruschetta, adding extra tomatoes to the mix. Here is a very general list of ingredients, check your fridge for other options!

Chili from Left-Overs by Gail K. Kachnycz 10 July 2025

Use slow-cooker on low for 6 hours. Everything is already cooked, just needs to "meld."

MEAT:

1 Can of prepared chili, or cut-up burgers with Manwich, or cooked freezer burnt sausages or meat (the seasonings will overcome the lack of flavor from freezer burn)

VEGGIES:

1 Can each (rinsed) of red kidney beans, black beans, chick peas, corn. Substitute other beans on hand. The baked beans will go in "as is" with their sauce, not rinsed. 

Bell pepper, sauteed. Onions, sauteed. 15 oz can of crushed or diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, etc.

SEASONINGS (adjust to your taste):

1 Tablespoon chili powder or Taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon Cumin, Salsa 1/2 jar, 1/4 cup BBQ Sauce

If you desire: salt, pepper, Hot Sauce 

No corn chips to accompany? I use Corn Chex cereal as a topper. They add  a satisfying crunch.

Future posts will show how to use up ketchup, mustard, mayo and pickle relish.

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Today's Plan

Today's Plan

Thursday, July 3, 2025

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Image: Source not known. A good friend sent this image to me this morning.

TODAY'S PLAN by Gail K. Kachnycz on 3 July 2025

     We are now two months into the house project. Exterior repairs are nearing completion. However, as I explained in the post May 28, there have been problems at almost every stage of the project. My sister, who is a Project Manager and works with these situations on a daily basis, said to expect this. It doesn't make it any easier.

     Completing the exterior work means that interior repairs are next. This increases the urgency of purging the items to be donated or disposed of, and packing & storing those that remain. Imagine the Candy Conveyor Belt scene from "I Love Lucy." "Speed it up!" The task seems so overwhelming that at times I am immobilized and resort to avoidance behaviors & procrastination. Sound familiar? Even if it is not a house repair project, we all have responsibilities that can loom before us and we don't know where to begin to pare them down to manageable tasks. Our congregation is reading through the Gospel of John, and in Chapter 8 I discovered a verse that is helpful.

And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him. John 8:29 NKJV

     First, Jesus reminds us that the Father was with Him. The acronym that is the image for this post includes the reminder to "Dedicate your day to God." Remember to draw close to Him immediately as the day begins.

     Second, and this is what really impressed me: Jesus did not do everything there was to do. He did everything He was told to do by the Father. As we dedicate the day to the Lord, ask Him to guide and instruct us, to set the priorities. That way, the time will be used as the Lord desires and directs. He knows our limits and will not overwhelm us. He gives the example of a "yoke" in Matthew 11. The picture is two animals, yoked together and pulling in tandem. Let us join ourselves to the Lord each morning, acknowledging that as He sets the pace and direction, we can meet the challenges of the day.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV

 

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Emergency Preparation

Emergency Preparation

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

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Image: CBS News Philadelphia 20 June 2025

EMERGENCY PREPARATION by Gail K. Kachnycz 25 June 2025

 

     Last Thursday evening, June 19, strong storms hit the Delaware Valley. Our power went out about 5:30 PM. Electricity was restored in our home about 11:30 AM the next day. However, neighbors only a few miles away had no electricity for 3-4 days. We also had outages for 3 hours Sunday and 30 minutes just last night. Our cell phone service has been spotty. This experience has prompted today's post. 

     Caregivers and those with chronic illness face added difficulties in emergency situations. Medical equipment may have battery back-up, but eventually recharging is needed. Lack of air conditioning, or poor air quality, first affects sensitive groups such as those with heart/lung conditions, children and elderly. Some events can be anticipated, such as hurricanes or severe snowstorms. Others can happen with little or no warning, such as the storm we experienced, or wild fires. Hurricane season on the East Coast & Gulf starts June 1 and continues through November 30. These dates are good reminders to review a plan for emergencies, and update or replace supplies that are nearing their expiration date.

     To be quite honest, I do not have a formal Emergency Plan or stock of supplies. However, I always try to fill the car with gas, since no electricity means the pumps will not work. Making sure my phone is fully charged is important, since that is the portal for news and communication. After our recent experience, I am looking at how I can be better prepared. I am including the links for Ready.gov below. If you have tips, ideas, or information that is helpful for planning for emergencies, please share with me. If appropriate, I will include in future posts. I do plan to have several posts on different topics for emergency planning, such as electronics, food, and medication.

Ready Emergency Supply List

Ready.gov Website

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Juneteenth Flag Symbols

Juneteenth Flag Symbols

Thursday, June 19, 2025

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JUNETEENTH FLAG SYMBOLS

     Since Juneteenth has been an official Federal Holiday for only a few years, I am still learning the history connected with it. This 2022 article by a CNN reporter explains the symbolism in the Juneteenth flag. Each symbol is positive and forward looking. It is an encouragement to me. Juneteenth is cause for celebration.

Meaning of Juneteenth Flag

The advertisements in the CNN article may not reflect the mission of this blog. I apologize for the advertisements and other links, but wanted to give full credit to the CNN author rather than cut and paste the information.

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CAREGIVERS: Unsung but Not Unseen

CAREGIVERS: Unsung but Not Unseen

Thursday, June 12, 2025

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Image: The Verse of the Day 

CAREGIVERS: UNSUNG BUT NOT UNSEEN by Gail K. Kachnycz 12 June 2025

     The purpose of caregiving is to provide the one cared for the highest quality of life and independence

that can be achieved within the limits of their current chronic illness. By its very nature, caregiving is

an activity that takes place in the background. This affords the loved one dignity and recognition of their value as an individual. However, this means that the caregiver is often overlooked. People

see the challenges and effort of the one living with chronic illness. They ask, “How is your

[spouse/parent/loved one]?” but may fail to ask how the caregiver is dealing with circumstances.

     Caregiving often means isolation, especially if the loved one cannot be left unattended. The caregiver

can feel alone and discouraged. They think no one appreciates what they do. If the loved one is mentally

impaired, he or she may not have the ability to express thanks. No one knows what patience it took to

wait while your loved one searched for words. No one knows how much self control it took to listen to

the same story over and over, or answer the same question again and again, because memory is fading.

But God is aware. He is The God Who Sees.

     El Roi, The God Who Sees is identified in Genesis Chapter 16. God showed Himself this way not to

one of the Patriarchs, but to Hagar, a rebellious Egyptian servant. At the time she was newly pregnant,

and had run away from Abram’s wife Sarai. She was feeling alone and desperate. The Angel of the Lord

met her where she was, and gently redirected her to return to her place with Sarai. God knew all she was

going through. Hagar was overwhelmed that God was interested in her, and she received His blessing. 

     As caregivers, at times we may feel unappreciated, alone, and desperate. God sees our circumstances

and sacrifice. Let the story of Hagar allow us to recognize that God will meet us where we are, and in so

doing, receive His blessing. Caregivers may be unsung, but not unseen.

You number my wanderings; Put my tears in your bottle; Are they not in Your book?

When I cry out to You, Then my enemies will turn back; This I know, because God is for me.

Psalm 56:8-9 NKJV 

Reference: The Names of God, by Dr. William Allan Dean, pages 8-15. Copyright 1963 by

Philadelphia College of Bible (now Cairn University)

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Deeper Questions

Deeper Questions

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

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Image: Book Cover, "When God Doesn't Make Sense" by James Dobson

DEEPER QUESTIONS by Gail K. Kachnycz on 4 June 2025

     The Mission Statement for this blog begins, "The purpose of this platform, A Map Through the Valley, is to provide practical, useful information for those with chronic illness and their care givers, and encouragement from a Christian worldview. The question of why we suffer is beyond the scope of this platform. That issue has been explored by scholars far more learned than this humble writer. I will aim to compile a list of their books and other writings as a resource for those who are struggling with this question." Today I will review three such books. I hope this is helpful.

When God Doesn't Make Sense by James Dobson is written in a practical and straightforward manner, with examples from the author's personal experience and other sources. I found this book to be sensitive and consistent in directing our attention to both God's tender care and greater purposes in our lives.

The Problem of Pain and A Grief Observed are both written by C.S. Lewis, a well-known Christian writer from the last century. Many are familiar with the book series he wrote for children, The Chronicles of Narnia.  Shadowlands is both a play and a movie which dramatizes his experience as his wife fought cancer, experienced remission, but eventually succumbed and passed away.

A Grief Observed records Lewis's thoughts and struggles. It is not an easy read, but demonstrates that even those with strong faith can experience despair and doubt when a loved one dies.

The Problem of Pain is more academic. It is dedicated to "The Inklings," the group of Oxford scholars that included Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. These guys were deep thinkers, and the book reflects that. I found it difficult to slog through this one, and I must admit I have set it aside to finish reading at a later date.

Of the three, I would recommend When God Doesn't Make Sense to anyone who is asking "Why did this happen?" or feels that God is far away at this time. The books may be purchased online, but I check with my local Christian bookstore first to support local business. If any of the readers of the blog have suggestions for books, movies, or other media they have found helpful, please feel free to share with me. I will review them and may include in a future post.

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Emergency Tea Kit

Emergency Tea Kit

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

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EMERGENCY TEA KIT by Gail K. Kachnycz on 28 May 2025

     Having an Emergency Tea Kit is something I highly recommend. I came close to using mine recently, when the stress of the renovation really intensified. The 50 year old siding was removed from our house, revealing fiberboard and tar paper (no Tyvek in 1973!). The following day, rain started and lasted for several days. I was sure the fiberboard would turn to mush and the house would fall down around our ears. When the rain stopped, the walls were covered in plywood, and some Tyvek was applied. Storms returned, this time with wind, which threatened to shred the Tyvek. Finally, three weeks after the old siding was removed, new vinyl siding is in place. The storms apparently also caused a surge which damaged our heat pump, so that also needs repair. Believe me, my Elephant Sisters and other prayer supporters were asked to pray almost daily!  

     Having a warm drink is very comforting in a crisis. You can sip and collect your thoughts. Here are the instructions for an Emergency Tea Kit:

Select a container that can withstand boiling water. Place packets of your tea of choice inside.

Attach instructions to the jar:

-In Emergency, open lid. Pour boiling water over contents of jar.

-Steep to desired strength. Sweeten if desired.

-Drink slowly, maintain a stiff upper lip. Keep calm and carry on. Philippians 4:6-7

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Our house seemed shocked to find itself rather bare.

Between storms, siding was applied. Drilling, sawing, nailing meant a rather noisy environment. 

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