Shalom Sessions

Hey Sistas

Join Jerusalem Greer and me for Shalom in the Home, our monthly conversation on peacemaking at home and in our community. We talk about hospitality and the insecurities we have around gathering the people in our lives.

A Recipe for Maundy Thursday: Chicken and Dumplings

From A Homemade Year: The Blessings of Cooking, Crafting and Coming Together

Ms. J's Chicken and Dumplings

This recipe is my answer to the Matzo Ball Soup and the Baked or Roasted Chicken that are often a staple of a modified Seder Supper. Not being Jewish, but being Southern, Chicken and Dumplings seemed like the perfect alternative to these traditional Seder dishes. And as for the recipe title, well, that comes from Sweet Man's nickname for me, in the southern tradition of Miss Ellie from the TV show Dallas.

This is a large recipe—enough for twelve adults. Note: You can use homemade or store-bought chicken stock, or a combination of both.

For the Broth

Bring 15 cups of chicken stock to a boil.

Add the following to the boiling liquid:

3 carrots, peeled, washed, and diced (optional)

3 celery stalks, washed and thinly sliced

1 medium yellow onion, diced

1 tablespoon of salt

4 pounds of boneless chicken breast (frozen or thawed)

Once the chicken breasts are fully cooked, pull them out, and set them aside to cool.

Reduce broth to simmer and leave simmering while you make the dumplings.

For the Dumplings

Mix together the following ingredients:

6 cups of flour

3 tablespoons of baking powder

3 teaspoons of salt

Next, cut in 1 cup of solid vegetable shortening (use either a pastry cutter, or 2 table knives, or your food processor).

Once the shortening has been cut in well (creating a crumbly texture), begin adding ice cold water, ½ cup at a time, into the mixture. I use about 2¼ cup of ice water (sometimes I use more, sometimes I use less, depending on the humidity in the air).

Your goal is to create a dough that is soft, smooth, and easy to roll out but is not leathery or mushy or grainy. Next, roll your dough out. These dumplings are Southern-style flat dumplings like we make in Arkansas, not the round fluffy "drop" dumplings that are common in the North.

Sista' Tip: My good friend and baking mentor Lynn taught me this great kitchen tip: When rolling out dough, spread out a smooth kitchen towel on your counter (I prefer the flour sack variety) and cover it with a good dusting of flour. This will be your rolling surface, and after you are done, you can simply fold the towel up and take it outside to shake off the excess.

Roll out the dough, using a slightly floured rolling pin, to between ⅛ and ¼-inch thickness.

Next, using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide by 3 inches long.

Finally, bring your stock back to a rolling boil, and tear the cooked chicken breast into bite-size pieces, adding it back to the liquid. Once that is done, begin adding the strips of dumpling dough into the stock. Once all the strips have been added, give the pot a good stir, and cover. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Check every few minutes, stirring gently, until the dumplings are tender and cooked through, about 15–20 minutes.

A Prayer for Maundy Thursday: An old mennonite song makes a wonderful prayer for Maundy Thursday - Sing the Journey

A Printable for Maundy Thursday - Based on the traditional Seder Supper tradition of having four glasses of wine throughout the meal, each representing the four expressions of deliverance promised by God Exodus 6:6-7: "I will bring out," "I will deliver," "I will redeem," and "I will take." Jerusalem has design a printable that you can give to each dinner guest, or print and deliver to neighbors with a jar of jam or bottle of wine. Frame with a dollar store clipboard or inexpensive frame or matte.

To download and print as many copies as you want, click HERE.

A Quote for Maundy Thursday: (based on Saltproject.org How to Respect Other Religions)

"How can we begin to show hospitality? Eat together. Pray together. Hold each other's babies."

You can always visit Jerusalem at http://jerusalemgreer.com

Want more Shalom in your life? Follow Shalom in the City on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest @shalominthecity. Come join us on Facebook at the Shalom Sistas' Hangout. You can find me, Osheta Moore on Twitter @osheta, Instagram @oshetam and Pinterest.

Hey Sistas,

Join Abby Perry and me for our first episode of My Sista's Keeper: Shalom in the City's Monthly Conversation on Race and Unity. We talk about how each of us came to care deeply about issues of race, justice, and reconciliation, and what it is to approach these often awkward, difficult conversations with a spirit Hopeful Resistance.

The My Sista's Keeper episodes exist to help YOU begin to bring about Shalom in your own community by modeling a conversation between a black woman and a white woman talking about race. In this first episode, we make promises to each other that will guide our discussions, ask probing questions, and press deep into some uncomfortable places to see if there's some unity to be found (spoiler: there is).

We also may break out in hives, or at least a sweat, a few times. But it's that good sweat, ya know? Like when you're exercising and it's hard and it hurts but you know that means it's working. We hope you'll benefit from listening to a bit of heavy lifting (and plenty of laughter, too).

Want more Shalom in your life? Follow Shalom in the City on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest @shalominthecity. Come join us on Facebook at the Shalom Sistas' Hangout. You can find me, Osheta Moore on Twitter @osheta, Instagram @oshetam and Pinterest. Abby is on Facebook @AbbyJoyAndersonPerry, on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest @abbyjperry and online at joywovendeep.com.

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Hey Sistas, Join me as I welcome my new co-hosts, Abby Perry, Jerusalem Greer, and returning co-host Cara Meredith to the team as we talk about Hopeful Resistance. We talk about what is hopeful resistance, what does healthy resistance look like, and what does resistance look like in our lives. We also have some fun surprises in this episode so come and listen as we kick off this new series! Want more Shalom in your life? Follow Shalom in the City on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest @shalominthecity. Come join us on Facebook at the Shalom Sistas' Hangout. You can find me, Osheta Moore on Twitter @osheta, Instagram @oshetam and Pinterest. Abby is on Facebook @AbbyJoyAndersonPerry, on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest @abbyjperry and online at joywovendeep.com. Jerusalem is on Facebook as @JerusalemJacksonGreer, on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest @jerusalemgreer and online at jerusalemgreer.com. You can find Cara Meredith on Facebook @bemamabecarameredith, on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest @caramac54 and online at carameredith.com.

Hey Sistas, I'm so excited to share this special episode of Shalom in the City because I've been excited to share with you something I've been working on the podcast for FOR MONTHS. Actually, I've been wanting to provide this for you here on the show since before I started it. When I dreamed of starting a podcast I knew three things about myself: One: I'm obsessed with talking about Shalom. So I knew my podcast had to be all shalom all the time. And for those of you just joining the show on this episode, on the show our simple definition of the Hebraic concept of Shalom, is God's dream for wholeness, goodness, and yes, even peace for you and I right now, right where we are and every episode I invite a woman on who I think is practicing Shalom in some interesting way to share her story with us, our resident Shalom Sista is what we call her and it's been so much fun to introduce to you my friends and their passion projects. The second thing I knew about myself as a podcaster is that I love stories. I love to hear stories, learn from people who live differently than I do, and allow those stories to teach me compassion and give me inspiration for how to practice Shalom in my life. I hope that you've experienced a bit of that in the past year of podcast episodes. And finally, I knew that I would eventually bring on a panel of regular co-hosts to be our resident experts on different ways we can practice Shalom in our lives. The reason is I'm not an awesome small talker and while I love interviewing people, sometimes when I hang up with a guest, I have so many more questions and would love to invite them back on to keep talking and that's not always practical. Which is why my book club episodes with Cara are always my favorites, she and I have a fun conversations and we love to laugh with each other. Those episodes feel like a monthly check in with a dear friend. Plus, while I know so much about Shalom and I'm actively practicing it in my life, I know there are women who are better in certain areas that i can learn from them and my service to you through the podcast is to let you learn alongside me. Which is why, I'm thrilled to announce that starting in March, I am moving away from the purely interview format in order to learn more from three women who I am honored to call my friends. Each one has modeled wholehearted living in a broken world in unique and accessible ways. They're funny and kind, and intentional. But, they're just not three random women who I love, they're three women who have passions for Shalom in three distinct areas. There are three areas that I have noticed I think about peacemaking and living wholehearedly the most: 1: At home and in my community 2: In tough conversations around racial reconciliation 3: When I consume media, specifically when I read So, I had to think, if these are the areas I think about the most and where I need to most encouragement and have the most questions, wouldn't make sense to process these areas here on the podcast? I think so, because if I as your regular host and excited every single time I sit down to create an episode for you, I'll have more energy and it'll be a better conversation, one I hope inspires and encourages you. As I thought about these areas, it became pretty clear to me who I could have fun and helpful conversation with and I'm so excited to introduce them to you. The next season of the show and maybe longer, I'll be joined by these three amazing women. 1: For Shalom in our Home I'll be talking with Jerusalem Greer, an author, speaker, nest-fluffer, and World Class Pinterest Pinner. Once a month, she and I are going to be talking about what it looks like to live out Shalom in our homes and our communities, thinking about what it means to be wholehearted families, friends, and neighbors. We'll also dig into the ways that intentional spiritual practices and home traditions can produce shalom in our lives and the lives of those around us. You can find Jerusalem on her site, JerusalemGreer.com and that'll be in the show notes. Our hope is that at the end of the hour, you'll feel excited about loving your family and community, you'll try new recipes, you'll think about your rhythms, and you'll live wholeheartedly right in your home. 2: For Books you already know my book club co-host, Cara Meredith, so there's no change there. Cara can always be found on her site, Carameredith.com. Every month Cara and I will be talking about book through the lens of Shalom, what brokenness is the author address in her book and where do we see wholeness and healing in the book. Our criteria for a book club pick is non-fiction or fiction from woman of color because we know that these women's books often are not picked for book clubs. You can find the book list and join the conversation in the Shalom Sista hangout and I'll that link in the show notes. We love interacting with you about books and seeing the ways our picks stretch you to learn from authors you may never pick up. 3: And the last co-host is someone you've met before, Abby Perry. Abby was my guest for our Celebrate Shalom episode and I had always planned to have her come back on share more about the work she does with Be the Bridge, a racial reconciliation ministry lead by Tasha Morrison. Now, I know you might be asking how does this conversation fit into the show? Well, I deeply believe that we're experiencing racial tension in such profound way in our country. And Abby is uniquely gifted to help me model what does it look to have authentic conversations about race. Every episode we'll talk about our personal experiences with racial reconciliation efforts, discuss news/current events, and break down buzzwords that seem to polarize conversations before they even get started. We'll also be inviting you to submit questions or topics for us to discuss, and oh how I hope you will. This monthly hour exists entirely to be a gift to you, something that does not use its time inside your earbuds to pull you out of your immediate surroundings but to propel you deeper into them. Our prayers is that we will, by God's grace, model a conversation that is defined by charity, truth seeking, active listening listening, and testifying to this fact: Jesus has torn down the wall of hostility, making two groups one (Ephesians 2:14), and we far too often have bricks in our hands, rebuilding barriers when He has called us into open spaces. You can catch up with Abby on her site, JoyWovenDeep.com Every week I'll talk to one of these women, but the last week of the month I'll reserve for an interview because I do love to hear new stories and meet new women. So that's the first big change, the format. The second you might have picked up already and that's I'm moving to seasons. You might remember from my intro episode that I wanted to make sure I paced myself in producing the show because I'm in this for the long haul. Well, one thing I learned about myself is that I work best in short time frames with a small break in between. So, we're going to start our first season in March go through June take the first week of July off, have a mini-summer season from July-August. Again, take another week off and start back up with a September-December Season. I know that's a lot, so don't worry. I'll let you know when we're going to take break, just listen to the show and you'll know. So, since we're moving to seasons, I get to do something that again, I've always wanted to do, dive deep into on big idea over the course of several episodes. Y'all am bursting with excitement about this. Every Season, we're going to have an overarching theme that will guide our conversations. Every episode will address this theme in way, shape or form all the way from the rhythms of peace Jerusalem helps us form to the book Cara picks, we'll keep one theme in mind. We'll announce that them in the hangout, the newsletter, and then here on the podcast. In addition to the episodes, we're also providing a syllabus for the podcast that include further reading, the show notes, Shalom steps, which are our practical next steps, and maybe a printable or two. We want to enrich your listening experience so that your practice of Shalom is easier and more joyful. Those are only available through the newsletter so make sure you're signed up for free and that'll be in the show notes as well. So are you ready to hear March's theme? If you're in the hangout, you've probably seen the graphic and wondered what it means. Well, our March-June theme is: It's Hopeful Resistance. We're going to be exploring what does hope look like through the lens of Shalom and then how do we resist: division, defensiveness, and despair in a world that feels so chaotic and eager for conflict. I think we're all exhausted from 2016 and wondering how do we as Paul says in the bible, "not grow wearing in doing good". Well, the co-hosts and I think hopeful resistance is a good place to start and we hope you'll join us in March. Our Book club picks for the first season are:

March: Hopeful Resistance

The Sun is Also a Star (Nicola Yoon)

April: Resisting Division (within Hopeful Resistance)

ONE (Deidra Riggs)

May: Resisting Defensiveness (within Hopeful Resistance)

Hallelujah Anyway (Anne Lamott)

June: Despair (within Hopeful Resistance)

LaRose (Louise Erdrich)

We're also planning a summer series that is going to be so fun, so playful, so full of nostalgia and good times so stay tuned for that too. Well, that's it, Sistas. Those are the two changes to Shalom. So what does that mean for this month. Cara and I will be back soon to talk about Oprah's new cook book, what we thought of the stories in it, what recipes worked for us, and if we plan on using as a part of our regular meal planning so subscribe so you don't miss it. Sistas thank you so much for your love and support of the show and know that you have a cheerleader in me as you seek Shalom in your family, community, city, and world. Bye and see you next time! Shalom in your earbuds, Osheta

Hey Sistas, Today, Cara and I talk about not one but two books as we discuss our Nos and Yeses of 2017. Books mentioned in the podcast" The Wangs vs. the World Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person Food, Health, and Happiness: 115 On-Point Recipes for Great Meals and a Better Life Articles mentioned: Real Simple "Say Yes to Saying No"

Hapelujah, Indeed written by our very own Cara

What are you saying "No" and "Yes" this year that you're hoping will bring you Shalom. Come over and share them in the Hangout:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/960443290670157/

Shalom and Books,

Osheta and Cara

Hey Sistas,

God has been helping me practice Shalom with Body Shame this season and this is what I've learned.

Links mentioned in the show:

Whole Body Pinterest

Friends With Body Instagram Post

Curvy Skinny Denizen Jeans

Gilmore Girls on Pop Culture Happy Hour

Shalom and Shopping and Trying on Outfits in the Family Dressing Room,

Osheta

Today, Cara and I talk about the Roadmap to Reconciliation written by Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil. We also share our candid responses to the question, "how are you doing?" in light of the election of a man who we both feel like has not modeled a heart or desire for racial justice in this country. It's one of the realest and most honest conversations we've ever had on Shalom. I hope you enjoy it.

Here's our Shalom Steps for Racial Reconciliation

1: Prepare your Heart

2: Prepare your Mind

3: Prepare your Community

Books we love on this topic:

Prophetic Lament (Soong-Chan Rah); Rescuing Jesus: How People of Color, Women and Queer Christians are Reclaiming Evangelicalism (Deborah Jian Lee); Embrace (Leroy Barber); America's Original Sin (Jim Wallis); The Other Wes Moore (Wes Moore); United: Captured by God's Vision for Diversity (Trillia J. Newbell)

Where to find us online:

The Shalom Sista Hangout: Perfect place to keep the conversation going

Cara is pretty active on Twitter and her website

Osheta is on Instagram (Oshetam), Facebook, and of course the Shalom in the City website.

Shalom and staring racism down,

Osheta

Today on the show, I'm chatting with Jennifer Dukes Lee, story-teller, grace-dweller, wife to a farmer, mama of two and one of my new favorite authors. Today we talk about happiness— the theology of it, the science of it, and the how to embrace it right where we are.

We talk about her new book, "The Happiness Dare" and how true happiness makes space for lamenting. We discuss a quiz she created that has already made me a better mom and we learn about her perfect day in her farm town in Iowa— definitely not a city, but still so much fun! It's a really great conversation and I hope you listen.

Links we mention in the episode:

Happiness Dare Quiz

Cool Finds Based on the Show:

On Negativity Bias

"Overcoming your Negativity Bias" New York Times article

One Ferguson

"Terrible, Beautiful, Fearless" My reflections after visiting Ferguson

How to Find Jennifer Online

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Shalom and Quizzes, and Embracing My Happiness Style,

Osheta

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Today on the show, I'm chatting with Kacie Feeney, one of the owners and designer of Persimmon Prints.

Persimmon Prints is a faith-based business, which produces ethically-made women's clothing. Persimmon's mission is to help others FIX their hearts on God, FILL their lives with His word, and FIGHT for those in need.

With a percentage of each purchase, Kacie and her husband, Patrick financially support our The Good Shepherd Agricultural Mission (Christian-based orphanage) in Banbasa, India.

We talk about more than beautiful and ethically made clothing, though (which we do!) Kacie share with us about her journey with infertility. After she shares her story, she gives some fantastic guidance on how to love our sistas struggling with infertility and the ways community was a source of joy for her.

There's also a chance at the end of the episode for you to win a "choose joy" hoodie (see I told you we talk about beautiful clothing).

It's a fantastic episode and I can't wait for you to hear it.

Links we mention in the episode:

Our Not So Engineered Life

Yada Yada Prayer Group

Follow Kacie and Persimmon Prints:

Instagram

Join the Conversation on Infertility and Shalom in the Hangout

Shalom and Hoodies and Loving Our Sistas Well,

Osheta

On the podcast today is the seventh edition of the "Shalom Book Club" where once a month, my friend Cara Meredith joins me to talk about a book. Like I said in the first episode of this series this is partly to solve a very real problem I have- I simply can't work in a book club in my week here in L.A.. This month we read the "Love Warrior" By Glennon Doyle Melton.

Stats:

259 pages, 15 chapters + epilogue, prologue

Author: Glennon is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir Carry On, Warrior, and Love Warrior. She is also the founder of Momastery, an online community reaching millions of people each week, and creator and president of Together Rising—a non-profit organization that has raised over four million dollars for families around the world through its Love Flash Mobs, which have revolutionized online giving.

Glennon is a sought-after public speaker and her work has been featured on the TODAY Show, The Talk, OWN, and NPR and in The New York Times, Ladies' Home Journal, Glamour, Family Circle, Parents Magazine, Newsweek, Woman's Day, and in other television and print outlets. Glennon lives in Florida with her family.

Context: LOVE WARRIOR is about infidelity, betrayal and redemption. It's about how our ideals of femininity and masculinity can make it impossible for a woman and a man to actually know each other. It's about how to use crisis as a springboard to a truer identity and a better life. It's about parenting our kids through pain. It's about friendships that hurt and friendships that heal. It's about faith that shackles women and faith that liberates women. It's about how to finally find peace in your own damn skin. It's about shameless sex, God, food, drugs, porn and tenderness—and how the dirt and the divine are so often inseparable.

What We Talk About:

• Pain
• Body Image
• Vulnerability and leadership
• Appropriate vulnerability

Other Books or Media discussed in the episode:

Carry On Warrior: The Power of Embracing Your Messy Beautiful Life By Glennon

Momastery: Glennon's amazing website

Promised Links:

All things Cara:

Cara's Site:

www.carameredith.com

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Pinterest

Connect with Osheta:

Shalom Sista Hangout

Facebook

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Warrioring On and Choosing Subversive Joy in my body, my friendships, and family,

Osheta