I have always been uncomfortable with “evangelizing.” Christianity comes laden with a history that is mottled, at best, in the eyes of the world. But, first of all, Christianity operates outside of earthly eyes. And secondly, whether you’re conscious of it or not, you’re usually evangelizing about something.

What I care about always comes across in what I talk about. Things that I “evangelize” without thinking:

How cute/brilliant/funny/amazing my children are. By far my favorite topic of conversation, I rave about Ava and Benjamin to anyone who will listen for as long as they will listen.

Food. I think about food a lot, obviously. Home-cooking is probably the most talked about aspect of food for me, followed by the merits of certain diets and stuff. And lumped into this, for me, is how I should exercise, but don’t. Other people’s exercise routines are of some interest to me, as well, in hopes of motivating myself to somehow exercise.

Reading is something I advocate for quite often. Mostly I just want people to pick up a book, any book, but I wonder what would happen if I advocated for the Bible specifically. Also, wow, there are some profound books written on the topic of the Bible that open up my eyes like Philip did for the Ethiopian. I am not as smart as I think I am, but wow, there are some really knowledgeable authors on the shelves of my library.

I deliberately avoid political topics with most of my friends, but this year has crystallized some topics for me, and have found that I do have some very strong political opinions. If you are curious about these views, we should grab coffee or Skype sometime.

We talk about the shows we watch, our football teams and fantasy leagues, our families and our life choices. My conversation with you is likely to be devoid of God possibly because most of my life operates devoid of God. Am I even capable of changing that?

What if I was praying for things that couldn’t happen without God? Would I talk to you about God then, always? What could I even ask for?

Sticky Orange Thai Chicken

Ingredients

6 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs

1 Tablespoon of Butter

For the Rub

1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil

1 Teaspoon Ground Ginger

1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder

1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder

1/2 Teaspoon Paprika

1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cumin

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

1/4 Teaspoon Ground Pepper

For the Sauce

1/3 Cup Soy Sauce

1/2 Cup Orange Juice

1/2 Cup Orange Marmalade

2 Tablespoons Ketchup

1/3 Cup of Peanut Butter

1 Tablespoon Vinegar

1 Tablespoon Fish Sauce

3-4 Tablespoons of Brown Sugar, to Taste

Hot Sauce (Sriracha), to Taste, start with 1 Teaspoon

1 1/2 Tablespoons Corn Starch

Method

In a medium bowl, mix together sauce ingredients.

Preheat oven to 400 Degrees.

(If you are serving with rice, start the preparation now)

Combine the rub ingredients in a small bowl and smear over chicken.

Heat the tablespoon of butter over medium heat in an oven-proof (cast iron) skillet.

Once melted, add the rubbed chicken.

Sear 2-3 minutes per side or until lightly browned, and remove to plate once finished.

Add sauce ingredients, scraping the sides of the skillet to deglaze.

Simmer for 1 minute, or until slightly thickened.

Add chicken back to the sauce, burying the thighs in sauce.

Bake in preheated oven for 8-12 minutes until cooked through.

Serve over rice.

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This recipe was found on Carlsbad Cravings.