Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore & The Power of Words...

"Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body"

~Proverbs 16:24

As I was thinking more on the topic of listening this past week,

I couldn't help but contemplate the other side of the coin...our speech, and the power of those words.

Do you know someone who will often speak before they think? Someone who has no filter in their speech whatsoever, they just blurt out whatever whenever without a second thought? Have you ever been hurt by their words, whether directly or indirectly?

Or perhaps YOU have been that person, knowingly or unknowingly.

I think it's easy for us to shift our thinking to others we know guilty of such, but what about ourselves?

Have you ever said something to someone that you instantly regretted? Why? Was it retaliation? Pride? Frustration?

Maybe you've never intentionally meant to hurt another with your words, but it happened.

The good news? It's never to late to make a change!

Words.

Simple words.

In the time it takes to speak them,

those words have the power

to build someone up,

or tear someone down.

Consider for just a moment the sweet effect of gracious words.

They can rescue people from despair, bring encouragement, life.

Gracious words can bring comfort, they can compliment, show our attentiveness,

bring positivity, be helpful, bring laughter, express gratitude, and be a blessing.

No eloquence required.

Sweet Bellas, let your words be a gift.

Let each and every one of us make every effort

to keep the law of kindness on our lips

now and always.

And while your at it, bring a dish over to someone who could use break.

Are there any tired mommies you know?

If not you can bring it to me :)

How about making this...

Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore

Need a fantastic meal that literally cooks itself while you're at work or busy at home, with only 5 minutes prep time...this is it!

The chicken is so juicy it just falls apart. No frills...No fuss...Fabulous flavor!

Ingredients:

4 frozen chicken breasts (bone in has that extra flavor, but boneless is fine)

1 28 oz. can of Crushed Tomatoes with basil

1 Teaspoon of Chile Pequin (a.k.a. crushed red pepper flakes)

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 Green Bell Pepper, sliced and chopped

A large handful of baby carrots

a handful of mushrooms, sliced (I used cremini)

salt and pepper to taste

Layer in the crock pot in order of ingredients listed above, starting with frozen chicken breasts.

close the lid

cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.

Serve over rice or pasta, sprinkle with parmiggano reggiano on top. A green salad and some garlic bread are the perfect accompaniment.

Mangia!