Gathered

The air is changing and the mornings are becoming a bit cooler, harvest is coming in, plants and trees have all the signs of a new season coming. Fall.

Fall is an invitation to pause, then walk into something new at a slower pace and with new hope.

Here, at Barn Church we celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, which is a reminder to stop and ponder with gratitude about how faithful the Lord has been in our journey but also, to prepare our hearts for where we are going and how we can co-mission with Him to fulfill His purpose through our lives in the next season and beyond.

A new season doesn’t mean everything has to change but it is a great time to check our alignment or make a plan for reset in an area of our life.

As we have learned the heart behind celebrating Tabernacles, one thing we did in our family when our kids were still home, and we suggest it to others raising the next generation, is to have a family “gathering”.

Around this time of year we gathered around the table to a delicious meal complete with dessert with the intention of giving everyone a voice to remember where we saw God working in our lives and hearts, to give thanks to the Lord for provision, opportunity, protection, celebration and answered prayers in the past year. Then we would allow everyone to have a turn talking about what they wanted to see happen in our family in the next year. We were always amazed at the hearts and faith of our kids in this area when given the opportunity to slow down and listen.

Lastly, we would talk about what we could pray and believe for as a family in the next season. All of our faith was so built up by just discussing the many things God had already done! The last question being, what would it look like to give back to the King of Kings?

That night after the kids would go to bed Justin and I would have a similar conversation about our marriage, we would have a review and reset of our vision board and make changes and updates. This season became a favorite in our house and remains so today. As the kids come home, they all go straight to our vision board and look for updates.

As I tearfully share the memories of our family gatherings, I am yet again reminded of God’s faithfulness. Not always in the way that I thought He could or should work it out, but in a way that reached far beyond my capacity. I am so grateful for these reflections on the goodness of God!

So, as you embark on the new season in your home and with your family, I hope you consider having a “gathering” with your family at your table. I have included a favorite recipe to get you started.

Love Kassi, your marriage cheerleader

Beef tips with egg noodles

Crock pot or dutch oven method:

2 pounds beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 teaspoon salt

1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

1 medium onion, chopped

3-4 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1⁄2 cup red wine or extra broth

1 cup beef broth

1 10oz can of cream of mushroom soup

Pat the beef tips dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season with salt and pepper.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef tips in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) and sear them until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onions over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute. Deglaze the pan by pouring in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the beef broth, water, and can of cream of mushroom soup. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

At this point, if you’re using a crock pot, pour all ingredients in the crock pot and set it for 4-6 hours on low

If using a dutch oven, return the browned beef tips to the pan, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot. Simmer gently for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more broth or water if the liquid reduces too much.

While the beef is finishing, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and toss with a tablespoon of butter for extra richness.

Serve the tender beef tips and gravy over the buttered egg noodles. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy!