October 14 - Greatest Love for Friends

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. John 15:13 NIV 

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1 John 3:16 NIV

Jesus didn’t just lie down and quietly go to sleep. He went through the agonizing painful death on the cross after suffering a humiliating beating and chastising with Roman soldiers spitting in His face and ripping out His beard. Ugh! He gave up His dignity for us. He suffered brutal lashing with nails tied to the whipping cords causing Him to bleed more for us. Blood trickled down His brow under a crown of thorns. His hands and feet bored the wounds of spikes and His side was pierced with a spear…for us. He laid down His life for us…His friends. What a friend we have in Jesus…all our sins He took to that cross. He was sinless…and yet He was willing to take our sins to the cross so that we can one day appear before the throne of God pure and holy—without sin and be welcomed into heaven. Only purity can be in the presence of God. 

Training Tip – Talk a with your children once again about friends—what it takes to be a good friend. Develop an acrostic with them to help them explore ideas on friendship. Here’s one to start the ideas flowing.

F – Fun loving

R – Resourceful

I – Interested in same things

E - Encouraging

N – Not negative or boring

D - Devoted

Just considering some of these ideas is good. How do you and your children see yourselves as friends? How would Jesus fit with these qualities of a friend? Consider what it means to “lay down your life for your friends.” Can you do that? 

 

Lord Jesus, You are an awesome friend—and Savior. I don’t know if I could actually give up my life for a friend—but I would if I had to. Help me to be a better friend to those around me by giving them more of my time, energy, and encouragement.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

October 13 - Making Friends

As I was in the prime of my days, when the friendship of God was over my tent….Job 29:4 

In the prime of my days—that is now for me, just like it was for Job prior to his attack by satan. It makes you leery to have things going well—to be known as a friend of God. God has a lot of enemies. But still, I’d rather be friends with God than anyone or anything else. …do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4. When I was a teenager I remember overhearing my folks talk about a friend of theirs who was scared about living in the country—away from the security of town. Mom said that if her friend relied more on God she wouldn’t be so afraid. I guess that made me want to hang onto God’s promise that if He is for us, who can be against us? That friendship of God is an important security blanket.  

Training Tip – It can be hard for some people to make friends. Some of the best friendships I know of are ones that were established at church youth groups—and some of the worst things to happen…happened at church, so again it is a matter of choosing activities wisely. Adults have to be ones who can provide good guidance and who can be trustworthy. Parents simply need to be involved in their children’s activities, whether it is at church, sports, or scouting events. Here are some good ideas for making friends.

1.      Be available. Friends have to spend time together—whether it is kids or adults. Woody Allen said “Eighty percent of success is showing up.” That goes for success at a job or in any relationship. Be there face-to-face, not just online. The more time you spend together, the more likely you are to like each other.

2.      Be part of a group. If you have like interests and spend time together in a group, you are more likely to develop an acquaintance into a relationship—a friendship. Groups might be school classes, craft classes, sports teams, church groups—like Bible studies or just Sunday School classes—hobby groups or book clubs.

3.      Say nice things to others. Compliment others on colors they wear, their clothes, or even their eyes. When you say something about someone else, then that trait is unintentionally transferred to you because of a psychological phenomenon of spontaneous trait transference. Keep your comments positive so that people will see you in a positive light.

4.      Set a target—make three new friends this month. When you are in a situation where you can meet new people—make an effort to do more than just say hello.

5.      Smile a lot. It makes you look more friendly to others.

6.      Make friends of friends-of-friends. Good place to start expanding your circle of friends.

7.      Be aware of cultural difference, such as not just dropping in unannounced and the giving of hostess gifts.

8.      Be happy with those who are rejoicing…and comfort those who mourn.

 Show love—that is the best way to win friends and influence others. 

Lord Jesus, we praise You. Please continue to cover our home with Your love and friendship and guide us as we make friends with others, sharing Your love.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Bible search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

October 12 - Friend of God

…and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS," and he was called the friend of God. James 2:23 

Abraham was a friend of God…the first of many. Jesus said… You are My friends if you do what I command you. John 15:14. He also said…He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son (by obeying the commandments) will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. John 3:36.  Frequently in our Sunday Worship service we sing a song “I am a friend of God” and a friend of mine really took offense at that. She felt that God is too powerful and needs to be exalted, not brought down to the human level of “friendship”. She didn’t sing that song. I am honored to be considered a “friend” of God. Who am I that God is thinking of me? I am His child—so are you, if you believe in Jesus as the Son of God, as your Savior, and if you have asked for forgiveness.  But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name…. John 1:12. Being a friend of Jesus’ is an honor. Do you consider yourself a friend of God?

Training Tip – If you are a friend of God’s what are you doing to build that friendship relationship? Are you getting to know Him better every day? Are you allowing Him access to your deepest thoughts and living to please Him? Consider your own example of friendship with God as you encourage your children to become a friend of God. 

 

Lord Jesus, I am humbled and honored to be considered Your friend. Help me to guide other family, friends, neighbors, coworkers and associates to learning more about You so that they will also obey You and become Your friends.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

October 11 - Friends Take Care of Friends

Then He said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and goes to him at midnight and says to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; and from inside he answers and says, 'Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.' I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs. So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened. Luke 11:5-10

Friends take care of friends. In this passage a friend persistently asks for what he needs for his guests. And his neighbor—who is his friend—fulfills his request. That’s what friends are for…like in the song of that title…

Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for...

Written by; Peter W. Allen, Burt F. Bacharach, Christopher C. Cross, Carole Bayer Sager
So to your friends…and God…ask, seek, knock. Then when they come knocking at your door…seeking and asking, be prepared to help them out with whatever they need. 

Training Tip – Read this scripture passage (Luke 11:5-10 also found in Matthew 6:33) with your family.  Then discuss what friends do for each other—providing food, shelter, care and encouragement. Teach your kids the “Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God” song. Read the scripture (Matthew 6:33) before this passage so that you can explain that God will provide everything we need--those are the things that shall be given to you (added unto you).

http://www.lyricsty.com/maranatha-singers-seek-ye-first-the-kingdom-of-god-lyrics

Seek ye first the kingdom of God
And His righteousness
And all these things shall be added unto you
Allelu, alleluia

Ask and it shall be given unto you
Seek and ye shall find
Knock and the door shall be opened unto you
Allelu, alleluia

Seek ye first the kingdom of God
And His righteousness
And all these things shall be added unto you
Allelu, alleluia

Man does not live by bread alone
But by every word
That proceeds from the mouth of God
Allelu, alleluia

 

Lord Jesus, I am asking You to help my friends and relatives who are struggling with health issues. I am seeking Your healing touch for them and will keep asking for them…and to bring You glory. Bring on the healing!

 

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

One of the best dishes I had when we visited South Carolina recently was Lobster Bisque at a little Irish Pub, Madra Rua, in North Charleston. This recipe is pretty close to the soup we enjoyed.

 Lobster Bisque  - adapted from Food.com

1/2 lb lobster meat, cut into small chunks

2 tablespoons minced shallots

2 tablespoons chopped green onions

3 garlic cloves, crushed

1/4 cup white wine

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce

1 tablespoon fresh thyme

6 tablespoons dry sherry

1 teaspoon paprika

1 cup hot water

1 teaspoon lobster base

4 ounces tomato paste

2 bay leaves

2 cups heavy whipping cream

4 tablespoons butter

In a medium sized pan heat a little oil over med-high heat and saute shallots, onions, and garlic for one minute. Deglaze the pan with the white wine. Add the Worcestershire, Tabasco, and thyme and saute for another minute. Deglaze the pan with the sherry. Add the paprika, hot water and lobster base and combine well. Stir in tomato paste and add the bay leaves. Simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the bay leaves. Whisk in heavy cream and the butter and just bring to a boil. Add the lobster and simmer until cooked through. Enjoy served with crusty Irish Soda Bread or crackers. Serves 4.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

October 10 - Friend

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17

Friend is found in 59 scripture passages in the Bible. Friendship is the companionship and close relationship we have with one another. It is the commitment to help form the character in others. This is a relationship to be embraced—even when it hurts. Having friends and being a friend was important to Jesus. Think of His statement He made to His disciples…Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13. That is the greatest gift from any friend…life. What a friend we have in Jesus. 

 

Think about your favorite friend in all your life…there are probably several. What makes that friend special? Is it that they were always there for you…that after years apart, you still connect and it is as if you’d never been apart…that there was give and take in your relationship—you were there for your friend, too, and you appreciate each other…and there is a great camaraderie? That is my friend, Mary, who’ve I known since junior high. She’s like family—only better. We did stupid stuff together…and good things helping each other or other people, too. She’s great…and since we both know Jesus as our Savior. We know we’ll see each other one day in Heaven, too, sharing our friendship in eternity with Jesus. What could be better?

Training Tip – With your children make a list of qualities that they value in a friend. Here are some that my grandchildren came up with: fun, friendly, honest, creative, available to play, likes the same things, wants to be a true friend, and knows Jesus. Ask them how they can be a good friend to their friends. Encourage them to be a good friend to their siblings, as well as to their friends. Friends come and go…but you always have your siblings—your whole life long.          

Lord Jesus, watch over my children and grandchildren and help them make good decisions. Help them to choose friends who love You, too.

Happy Birthday to my dear friend, Mary!

May God continue to bless you and give you

the desires of your heart as you seek and serve Him.

Love you much.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

October 9 - Be Hospitable

Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 1 Peter 4:9

Just like the admonition yesterday to honor widows, Peter is telling the young Christians to be hospitable to other Christians, especially to those who are strangers or travelers, without complaining. In being hospitable to others they are being like Lydia was to Paul, or like Martha was to Jesus. As He sent His disciples out into the communities in Galilee Jesus commanded them to …heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. Matthew 10:8. We have been given so much—most of us in the United States are so blessed—we need to be generous to those around us, whether we know them or not.

Training Tip – Check today for opportunities to serve Thanksgiving Dinner at your local mission for homeless people, or begin to organize a special time at your church or community center to feed homeless and provide warm clothes for them for the coming fall and winter days. Involve your family in this effort to meet the need of the strangers in your community.

Lord God, You have so richly blessed us—help us to be a blessing to others, to be hospitable in a genuine and honorable way that these people we reach for You would know that we know and love You…and them.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

October 8 - Honor Hospitable Widows

Honor widows who are widows indeed…having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work. 1 Timothy 5:3-10

Widows over sixty years of age are the ladies who Paul was talking about in this scripture passage. They are ladies who are to be honored and cared for by the church…because they have a good reputation and have cared for others, including showing hospitality to others—and not just to those she knows, but to those who are perfect strangers, too. It is easy to be hospitable—generous with our time, money and food—to those we know and love…but it is harder to do so with someone we don’t know and possibly may not trust. These widows are treating strangers as they would treat Jesus Himself—showing hospitality—providing a warm welcome, food, friendship or shelter.

 

Training Tip – If your children or grandchildren do not already know a widow (or widower) in your church, introduce them to one of these grand older ladies (or gentlemen). If possible, “adopt” her into your family. It is best if these relationships can develop in a natural way. You could begin with just having one of these precious widows over for lunch after church and you all get to know each other personally. Soon there will be a bond of love between her and you all. Find out when her birthday is and when that day comes—help her celebrate in a special gracious way. Some people don’t like too much fanfare and others like a big hoopla—so try to discover her favorite way to celebrate in advance of her special day. If she has family locally, then let them celebrate her day…and then create a special time with her another day. Find other ways to honor her…and share prayer requests with her so that she can pray for your family members, too. It is likely that she is a great prayer warrior—so what an honor to have her praying for your family. Be sure to ask her about specific prayer requests and then pray for those with your family. 

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve others in our church and community. Help us to see ways that we can be hospitable to these dear ladies or gentlemen. 

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

October 7 - Qualities of an Elder in the Church

An overseer (elder or bishop), then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach….1 Timothy 3:2 

 

For the overseer must be above reproach as God's steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled….Titus 1:7-8 

Once again God repeats His guidance in a couple of places in the Bible, i.e. 1 Timothy 3 and  Titus 1. The overseer who is an elder or deacon in the church is under scrutiny from not only his church, but also from his community. He must be above reproach—and have many other admirable qualities, including that of being hospitable. This overseer is being God’s witness to the community and to his church—so he needs to be a good example for others. One of the qualities of hospitality is to create a warm welcome environment and provide a safe and comfortable setting where relationships can be built. As he is a leader in his home, his highest influence is with that of his family. He is leading, teaching and training them by his actions. Are you setting a good example for your family and in your neighborhood?

Training Tip – Even if you are not an elder or deacon in your church, evaluate yourself in God’s eyes as to the qualities that are listed in these scripture passages listed today. Consider each quality and how you demonstrate those…or how you need to change your attitudes and actions.

            Self-controlled

            Sensible

            Respectful

            Not self-willed

            Not quick tempered

            Good teacher

            Devout

            Hospitable

Let your children see you demonstrate these qualities in your everyday life. They want to be like you in every way. Be their good example.             

Lord Jesus, thank you for being such a good example in all ways in Your life. Help us to become more like You every day.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

October 6 - Entertaining Angels

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2 

Entertaining angels—do you feel like Abraham? Three men came to visit Abraham and Sarah…and predicted the birth of their son Isaac. Commentaries suggest that they may have been Jesus and two angels. One time when we lived in Okinawa, while my husband was stationed there in the Air Force, my daughter and I were traveling back to Okinawa from Seattle. There was a typhoon near Okinawa, so we were delayed and had to stay in Tokyo overnight. There was another military mom traveling with a small baby. She had no extra baby formula, was running very low on diapers, and had no yen with which to buy things. I taught English as a second language to a class of five year olds and was paid in yen, so I had plenty of extra yen. I was able to purchase the things she needed—and when I delivered the things to her room I felt as if I were entertaining an angel. So just be open to opportunities to serve others. That is what hospitality is all about. Serving others—meeting their needs. 

Training Tip – With your family put together little bags of homemade cookies and a card for shut-ins in your church, newcomers to your neighborhood or church, firemen, or for helpers at school. Have your children join you when you deliver the packages. This is always good for holidays and birthdays—but people appreciate being appreciated unexpectedly.

Lord Jesus, help us to be aware of others needs and be willing to be hospitable to anyone that you put in our path who we can serve for You.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Hospitality

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor ... contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. Romans 12:10,13  

Paul was giving instructions to the church at Rome on how they should treat one another. One of the important things was to practice hospitality. Hospitality is that willingness to share what God has given to us, including our family, home, finances, food and time. There are six basic needs of others, including hunger, thirst, shelter, clothing, comfort and companionship that can be met with gracious hospitality. This type of hospitality is usually considered a gift of the Holy Spirit. At any rate, we know that Jesus had His needs met at the homes of His disciples and friends—such as in Peter’s home and Martha’s home. He Himself didn’t have a home of His own, as He explained in Luke 9:58…The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head. Jesus likely would have generously shared His home with others, if He had one. In fact, He IS generously sharing His heavenly home with all who believe in Him. He has told us that He is in heaven to prepare a place for us so that we can come and live with Him there someday. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2. He also generously fed thousands of people—that is awesome hospitality not matched by many people today. Do you not yet understand or remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets full you picked up? Or the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many large baskets full you picked up? Matthew 16:9-10.  That is a big challenge for us…to be like Jesus and feed thousands of people. Start with your own family, friends, and neighbors. Can you provide spiritual food—as well as physical food?

Training Tip – Read the stories of feeding the thousands of people to your family. Then take a few fish and see how many people that can serve. Jesus is a God of miracles. Explain hospitality to your children. By now they have probably seen you demonstrate this characteristic in your life…if not, try to reach out to someone soon to show your hospitality. But you may say that that is not your “gift.” You can still take someone out for coffee or a soda—or plan a picnic in the park together with another family if you don’t feel that you can have them come to your home. We are commanded to be hospitable—so teach your children to enjoy meeting new people. Most kids love to be around other children. Give them a chance to share their lives with others.

Lord Jesus, we look forward to Your hospitality in heaven. For now help us to be hospitable to those around us—to serve them as we would serve You.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Make My Way Blameless

For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God, the God who girds me with strength and makes my way blameless? He makes my feet like hinds' feet, and sets me upon my high places. He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand upholds me; and Your gentleness makes me great. You enlarge my steps under me, and my feet have not slipped. Psalms 18:31-36 and 2 Samuel 22:32-37 

And David spoke the words of this song to the LORD in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said, I love You, O Lord, my strength. It is recorded both in Psalms 18 2 Samuel 22. Read either passage in its entirety for an uplifting praise to the Lord, for He is worthy of our praise—and David wrote it well. It is God’s training that prepares us for spiritual battle…and that is part of the world that God created—the spiritual realm. See what promises you can claim or training ideas you can gain from those passages.

Training Tip – Are you tired of dealing with whining children? So call upon the Lord (Psalms 18:8).  Have you kept His ways as David did (Psalms 18:21-23)? Children may be exasperating…but remember the gentleness of the Lord (Psalms 18:35) and be gentle with your children—it may surprise them when they are expecting you to lose your cool and fly off the handle at them. The best defense is a strong offense—and a plan. If you have your day planned out, then make a spreadsheet plan so that they can see what is happening that day—hour by hour if necessary. When there is a plan, there is no time for them to whine and try to get you to turn on the TV for them to watch their shows. There should be a time for school, sports/activities, reading storybooks, TV shows, and free playtime or outside playtime included in the Plan of the Day. Here’s an example.

Plan of the Day

Time	Family Member	Activity	Notes
7 AM	Dad/kids	School/work	Rise earlier for shower & breakfast
8-10 AM	Mom/kids	Laundry (M-W-F) /Reading	Children can help with laundry or housework tasks- vacuum/wash walls /windows/clean bathroom sinks.
10- 12AM	Mom/kids	Shop (M & F)/Crafts (T & Th)	Wed – Play date with friends
12 -12:30	Mom/kids	Lunch
12:30 – 1:30	Mom/kids	Rest/Read/Quiet time
1:30 – 2	Mom/kids	Play time (outside weather permitting)
2 – 2:30	Mom/kids	Pick up school age kids
2:30 – 3:30	Mom/kids	Snack/Homework	Give non school children homework style pages to do—work on colors / numbers / letters
3:30-4:00	Kids	Free play time – outside if possible
4:00- 4:30	Kids	Set table and assist with dinner preparation
4:30 – 5:00	Kids	TV time
5:00	Family	Dinner	No whining-TV off promptly at 5PM
6:00	Family	Clean-up
6:30	Family	Devotions – Reading
7 PM	Kids	Bath and Bedtime

 Lord , show us how to be flexible, but organized, with our time that we can honor You. 

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

Thai Chicken Soup with Coconut Milk (Tom Ka Gai) Our favorite soup that Lisa makes (adapted from About.com Thai Food) is this simple Thai chicken soup has that distinctive Thai flavor - a balance of spicy, salty, sweet and sour. This soup can also provide added health benefits, helping to ward off or treat colds or flu during the fall or winter. Tom Ka Gai can either be served as an appetizer or as the main event (noodles can be added if you're planning to make this soup as a main entree). It is a quick and easy meal that takes less than 20 minutes to prepare. So sip, slurp, and enjoy!

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 6 cups good-quality chicken stock (Serves 2 as the main entree, or 4-6 as an appetizer)
• 1-2 chicken breasts, chopped into bite-sized pieces, OR 1-2 cups roasted chicken or turkey
• 1 lemongrass stalk, OR 3 Tbsp. frozen prepared lemongrass
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 thumb-size piece fresh ginger, grated
• 1-3 fresh red chilies, minced (optional, to taste), OR substitute 1/2 to 3/4 tsp. dried crushed chili
• 1/2 to 1 can good-quality coconut milk
• 2 Tbsp. lime juice
• 2+ Tbsp. fish sauce
• 1 tsp. brown sugar (optional, according to taste)
• handful fresh cilantro leaves
• handful fresh basil leaves
• 3 spring (green) onions, sliced
• optional: other vegetables, like sliced bell pepper or cherry tomatoes
• optional: rice or wheat noodles, if serving as the main course – cook separately and serve.

Preparation:

1. Slice and mince the lower portion of the lemongrass stalk. Retain the upper stalk for the soup pot.
2. Place chicken broth in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. If you have leftover chicken or turkey bones, add those too. Bring to a boil.
3. Add fresh chicken (or leftover chicken or turkey) and mushrooms. Also add the prepared lemongrass (including upper stalk pieces), plus fresh chili. Boil 5-8 minutes, or until chicken is cooked.
4. Turn heat down to medium. Add the ginger, 1/2 can coconut milk, the fish sauce, and extra vegetables (if using). Stir well. Simmer gently 1-2 minutes.
5. Turn heat down to minimum. Add lime juice and stir.
6. Do a taste test. Look for a balance between spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavors. Start with salty, adding more fish sauce if not salty or flavorful enough (1 Tbsp. at a time). If too sour, add the sugar plus a little more if you need it. If too spicy, or if you'd like it creamier, add more coconut milk. If not spicy enough, add more chili.
7. Ladle soup into serving bowls. Sprinkle a little fresh cilantro, basil, and spring onion over each bowl. For an extra kick of flavor, add a dollop of chili sauce.

Happy Birthday, Lisa.

Our sweet Lisa-chan!

May God give you the desires of your heart.

We Love You!

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.