Sunday Reflections & Bayou Kitchen Tales

Good morning to all my fellow readers of our tales this is a bit late because I now care giving for a couple of elderly men I have adopted as Uncle Bill and Uncle Jerry.

Sunday Morning Devotional: New Mercies, Steadfast Love, and the Strength to Endure

Good morning, friends. As the quiet of this Sunday, June 8, 2025, settles over Cypress Swamp in Shreveport Louisiana, I invite you to join me in a moment of reflection, one that comes from a very real, and recently challenging, place.

Life has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs, often when we least expect them. This past weekend, for me, has been a testament to that. What began with the promise of a joyful Sunday coffee and breakfast, filled with laughter and the warmth of my adopted family, quickly veered into a series of challenges that have accumulated over time. My first fall a month or two ago and my last fall just two weeks ago have certainly left me feeling "banged up," both physically and emotionally.

Illness struck late last week, leading into a weekend of discomfort and missing church two weeks in a row due to sickness. Then came the unexpected late-night moment of personal vulnerability. Just when I thought the early morning hours couldn't bring more, an unexpected call, deep in the quiet, revealed Uncle Bill's own startling fall from bed. In that raw moment, his tears weren't just for himself, but for me – a profound expression of his concern, wishing he could care for me as I care for him, realizing his limitations. This deep bond with my adopted family, including my brother Robert, is both a blessing and a constant call to love.

And amidst it all, grave concerns for Uncle Jerry's health added a significant layer of worry. What began with alarming symptoms requiring a hospital visit, still means ongoing, meticulous care for issues like edema and a wound that demands constant attention. Truly, between the two of them, I've got my hands full.

In moments like these, when you're feeling sick, physically vulnerable, utterly exhausted, and perhaps a touch lonely in the quiet of the night, it’s easy for the weight of it all to feel overwhelming. Sleep is elusive, discomfort is constant, and the world can feel a bit darker. You might find yourself asking, "Where is the comfort in this?"

But it is precisely in these "midnight hours," when our own resources feel depleted, that the enduring truth of God's Word shines brightest. It’s a lamp in the darkness, a gentle whisper of reassurance when the world feels loud with worry. As the psalmist reminds us, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)

A Word for Our Weary Souls:

As I navigated those long, early morning stretches, my mind clung to a passage that speaks directly to these times. I want to share it with you now, from the book of Lamentations, chapter 3, verses 22-23:

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Reflection and Reassurance:

Consider those words: "New every morning." No matter how difficult the night has been – whether marked by personal physical pain, emotional distress from a loved one's fear, or the heavy burden of complex caregiving – God's mercies are not depleted. They are fresh and new with every dawn, a promise that His faithfulness is unwavering. This promise echoes the peace found in Philippians 4:7: "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

This passage is a powerful reassurance when dealing with the unexpected turns of life: the intense demands of caregiving for loved ones, personal health setbacks, and the deep emotional weight that comes with it. It tells us that we are not forgotten, not abandoned, and that strength and comfort are available. This strength doesn't come from our own reserves, which can feel utterly empty, but from an unwavering, divine love that is constant and steadfast. As Isaiah proclaims, "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength." (Isaiah 40:29)

Carrying This Truth Forward – And Taking Care of Ourselves:

Today, despite the trials of the night, we all made it to church. There was a profound comfort in sitting together, finding solace in community and worship. And for me, a much-needed nap followed, a vital act of self-care. It's a powerful reminder that even when we feel completely depleted, and even when life throws one challenge after another, taking time for spiritual nourishment and physical rest is not a luxury, but a necessity. Remember Jesus' invitation in Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

So, as we embrace this new Sunday morning, I invite you to carry the echo of this truth with you. Even when we're down, sick, lonely, and vulnerable, the Word of God endures and reassures us. It reminds us that with every new morning, there is new mercy, a fresh opportunity to lean into a love that never ceases, and the courage to care for ourselves as we care for others.

May your Sunday be filled with a quiet peace, sustained by the steadfast love and new mercies that greet us each new day.

From Earl Kitchen of Chaos: A Fiesta on Our Bayou Breakfast Table

This morning, instead of the usual pancakes or bacon, I decided to spice things up a bit for Uncle Bill and Uncle Jerry with a flavorful Mexican-Spanish omelette. Living here in Shreveport, Louisiana, we have our own culinary flair, but a little international twist now and then keeps things interesting – and delicious!

Waking up to the gentle sounds of the swamp, I headed into the kitchen with a plan to bring a little sunshine to our breakfast table, even if the sky was a bit hazy. There's something truly rewarding about creating a meal for loved ones, a tangible way to show care and add a little joy to their day.

The aroma of sautéed onions, bell peppers, and a hint of smoky chorizo soon filled the cabin, mingling with the damp air of the cypress swamp. It was a symphony of savory scents that promised a hearty and satisfying start to the day. Watching Uncle Bill and Uncle Jerry’s faces as I presented the finished omelette – a golden disc studded with colorful vegetables and the warmth of spices – was its own reward.

This wasn't just any omelette; it was a fusion of flavors, a nod to both the Spanish classic and the vibrant tastes of Mexico that have found their way into Southern cooking. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, much like our life here in the heart of Louisiana.

And because sharing is caring (and because Uncle Earl always has a method to his "chaos" in the kitchen), here’s a recipe inspired by my own morning culinary adventure:

Earl Kitchen of Chaos's Bayou Sunrise Omelette (Mexican-Spanish Inspired)

"Alright, chaos crew! Earl here, bringing you a breakfast that’ll wake up your taste buds faster than a swamp gator on a hot tin roof. This ain't your grandma's omelette – unless your grandma wrestled bulls in her time. Let's get cookin'!"

Yields: 2 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs

• 2 tablespoons milk or cream

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or your favorite cooking oil

• ½ cup diced yellow onion

• ½ cup diced bell pepper (a mix of red, yellow, and green for color)

• ¼ cup diced chorizo (can substitute with cooked ham or crumbled bacon if preferred)

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

• 2 tablespoons shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)

• Optional garnishes: Salsa, avocado slices, a sprinkle of hot sauce

Instructions:

1. Prep the Chaos Crew: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, salt, and pepper until well combined and slightly frothy. Set aside.

2. Heat the Bayou: Heat the olive oil in a 10-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat.

3. Sauté the Swamp Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Spice it Up! Add the diced chorizo (or your chosen substitute) to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until slightly browned and fragrant. Stir in half of the chopped cilantro.

5. Egg-cellent Arrival: Pour half of the egg mixture into the skillet, tilting the pan to ensure the eggs evenly coat the bottom.

6. The Great Cheese Escape (Not!): As the edges of the omelette begin to set, sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over one half of the omelette.

7. Fold the Fiesta: Using a spatula, carefully fold the other half of the omelette over the cheese. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the filling is heated through and the omelette is cooked but still slightly moist in the center.

8. Sunrise Served: Slide the omelette onto a plate. Repeat steps 5-7 with the remaining egg mixture, vegetables, chorizo, and cheese to make the second omelette.

9. Garnish and Glory: Garnish each omelette with the remaining fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with your favorite optional garnishes like salsa, avocado, or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

"There you have it, folks! A Bayou Sunrise Omelette that’s sure to kickstart your day with a flavor explosion. Remember, in the Kitchen of Chaos, there are no mistakes, just opportunities for culinary adventure! Enjoy, ya hear?" - Earl Kitchen of Chaos

This morning's omelette wasn't just a meal; it was a small act of love and creativity shared around our breakfast table in the heart of the Louisiana swamp. And in the end, that’s what truly matters.

Serving Love, One Cup at a Time: A Morning Reflection on Servanthood

The morning light filtering through the cypress trees often brings a profound sense of peace here at the cabin. It’s in these quiet hours, as the day gently awakens, that the rhythm of true servanthood often unfolds in the simplest, yet most meaningful ways. This morning, it began with the familiar ritual of brewing coffee and bringing it to Uncle Bill and Uncle Jerry as they settled onto the porch.

The act itself – pouring a warm cup, handing it over, ensuring they have what they need to start their day comfortably – might seem small. But it's in these consistent, loving attentions to daily needs that the heart of service truly resides. It's not always grand acts; often, it's in the quiet, persistent care that fills each day.

The Bible speaks extensively about servanthood, teaching us that true greatness is found not in being served, but in serving others. Jesus Himself modeled this perfectly, as Matthew 20:28 tells us, "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." This powerful truth sets a profound example for how we are called to live.

In our own lives, especially as caregivers, this call to serve becomes incredibly tangible. The days are filled with profound responsibility, from ensuring Uncle Bill's safety after a fall, providing him reassurance when he's distressed and vulnerable, to the meticulous care required for Uncle Jerry's cellulitis, edema, and even a wound the size of a nickel on his foot that demands ongoing attention. Both of them, sharing the burden of edema, mean that every day is a "handful," demanding consistent vigilance and loving care. These are the realities of our journey together, the constant effort behind the scenes, even when I'm personally battling sickness or recovering from my own injuries.

Yet, it's also a path paved with immense love and purpose. We are encouraged in Galatians 5:13 to "serve one another humbly in love." It’s in those humble acts – whether it’s a shared cup of coffee, cleaning a wound, or simply being there to listen and reassure in the quiet of the night – that love is most truly expressed. This constant giving, often when my own well feels empty, is a testament to the strength that comes from a source beyond myself. As 1 Peter 4:10-11 reminds us, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."

Watching Uncle Bill and Uncle Jerry enjoy their morning coffee, perhaps one with his familiar corncob pipe, brings a quiet joy. Their contentment, even amidst their own health challenges, is a precious reward. This ongoing journey of caregiving, of living out servanthood day by day, deepens our understanding of compassion and resilience. It reminds us that our strength is often made perfect in weakness, both our own and that of those we care for.

So, as this Sunday morning continues, let us remember the quiet power of serving others. May we embrace each opportunity to serve with love, remembering that in doing so, we reflect a greater love, finding purpose and blessing in every cup of coffee poured and every hand tended.

Sunday Afternoon in Shreveport: Time for a Cool Retreat

It's a warm Sunday afternoon here in Shreveport, and the Louisiana heat is starting to make itself known. After a morning spent enjoying coffee and breakfast and tending to the needs of my family, the rising temperature is calling for a change of pace.

There comes a point in a hot afternoon where the best course of action is to seek a cool retreat indoors. That time has definitely arrived. Feeling a touch irritable from the heat, the priority now is to find a comfortable, air-conditioned space to rest and relax.

Today has been productive and filled with good moments, but even the best of days require a pause, especially when the weather calls for it. It's time to step away from the tasks at hand and simply be still for a while.

The plan for the rest of the afternoon is simple: find a cool spot, perhaps with a good book or a quiet movie, and let the heat of the day pass in comfort. It's a reminder that self-care is important, and sometimes the most productive thing you can do is to rest and recharge.

That's it for me for today. Time to escape the Shreveport sunshine and find some indoor tranquility. Wishing everyone a cool and relaxing end to their Sunday!