Well Rounded

Keith Jones — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 00:40:51 +0000

I use to hear this term used quite often. My mother used it some to describe specific qualities in people we knew. A “well rounded” person is a person that has fundamental understanding of many aspects of life. For example, you should be informed about politics or how our government works. One should also have a basic understanding of economics and banking. The basic tenets of the Bible should be regularly studied and understood. My mother wanted my sister and I to be well rounded people, so I had to learn to cook, sew, clean, do laundry, and how to take care of simple medical emergencies. You simply didn’t run to the Doctor for every little ailment. My dad also taught us to work in the outdoors and do “man stuff”, although that term may not be politically correct these days. My sister and I were involved in cutting wood for heat, piling brush, planting a garden, taking care of animals, checking your cars oil level, and changing a tire. All things boys and girls ought to know. I used to joke with my mom and ask her if she thought I wouldn’t get a wife was the reason she taught me all these life skills. She just laughed a said “a well-rounded person made a better spouse” because they could share the workload that a family produces. And she was right! I married a well-rounded woman and we share the work and it makes life so much easier.

I personally think the term “well rounded” goes a lot deeper than just the work aspect. It’s the foundation of a great work ethic for sure but besides the physical skills we were taught respect, compassion, empathy, and concern for others. I was taught a deep love for God and His ways. I often say “I’m not just another pretty face; I am well rounded.” A lot of folks you see in life are a bit lop sided or not round at all. Selfishness and a lack of concern has left them flat on one side or the other. I guess that could be a southern analogy or just my opinion. Either way, I’m glad I was taught to be well rounded.

A “well rounded” recipe for meatloaf

1 pound ground beef

1 cup -1 minute oats

1 -16oz.can tomato sauce.

1 egg

Salt and pepper to taste.

Mix all ingredients in large bowl until well blended ‘

I like to use a muffin pan as it is a perfect portion size and is easy to clean.

Place in preheated oven at 350 degrees and cook until the grease is clear and the tops are golden brown.

Hope you enjoy the word and the meatloaf!

From Preacher Sam.

The post Well Rounded first appeared on Preachers SmokeHouse.

The Wood Pile

Keith Jones — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 00:34:56 +0000

A lot of my younger days was spent either processing (cutting, splitting, and stacking) wood for winter heat or moving and restacking firewood. There are a lot of life lessons that be learned from this chore if you will listen to the ones that are teaching the class. My dad, Bill Steele, is a great instructor in life lessons, as was my mother, Judy. See, the gathering of wood was not just dad’s job; it included our whole family. Dad did the saw work while I carried gas and oil for the saws and learned to sharpen chains. Mom and my sister, Sheri, pulled and stacked brush and loaded the wood to be hauled home. Dad is allergic to poison ivy, so most of our wood cutting was done in late fall and through the winter months as the sap was down in the vines and trees which just made things easier. Working on those cold days made us appreciate the warmth of the fire so much more. Back then people wouldn’t let you cut good timber, so we had our choice of creek banks and fence rows that needed cleaned out. Either way, it kept the house nice and toasty! I think kids today would benefit greatly from trying to spilt sycamore wood that has grown on a creek bank on the edge of a field. An old tree like that has stood the test of time, weathering many a wind storm that has twisted and turned the inside fibers of that tree that makes it almost impossible to split. Those days are forever in my memory. Yes, it was hard work and I’m sure I complained but I never went cold. If you didn’t already know, I am a preacher and I have used lessons from the woodpile in many a sermon as they reflect greatly what Jesus teaches us in Scripture. The willingness to work is one of those lessons. At an early age I’m sure I was made to help, but as I got older it was a responsibility I got to take part in. It was no longer just work, it helped my family and others as not every load of wood went to our house. We cut for a lot of folks in time of need and when they just couldn’t do it themselves. There is no feeling quite like filling a woodshed or carport and seeing what it means to somebody. It’s amazing how such a simple thing can give so much hope and joy.

In my opinion, food cooked on the wood stove is best.

We had a Fisher woodstove in those days. I think Dad still uses it. It was a Momma Bear model as it just has one door. The Poppa Bear had two doors.

Anyway it has a flat top perfect for a dutch oven to sit upon. On cold days, mom would cook chili or soup, maybe even a stew of some kind on top of the stove. And boy was it good! Here’s a favorite chili recipe.

1 lb ground beef (brown and drain fat)

2 to 4 cans of pinto beans (or nowadays chili beans)

Mom always used McCormick’s chili seasoning so one package of that or your favorite.

2 cans of tomato sauce or canned tomatoes as we always had canned tomatoes from the garden (Dad’s favorite)

Place all this in a dutch oven or large pot. Mix well.

Let simmer a while on low heat for a while as it only gets better the longer it cooks. If it gets too thick, add some chicken broth or just plain water to reach your preferred consistency.

The broth works better as it adds flavor and fat to the chili and doesn’t cook away like water.

Invite the family in and share this great meal together! Luke Steele

The post The Wood Pile first appeared on Preachers SmokeHouse.

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