Nourished for New Beginnings
The Renewal of Purpose
January carries both promise and pressure. After the holidays, many of us turn inward — assessing our goals, our finances, and our rhythms. For families navigating tight places, these weeks can feel heavy: the weight of bills, the return to routine, the quiet concern over how to stretch each dollar for food and care. At Crossfire Ministries, we see these realities every day. Our guests carry more than grocery bags; they carry hope, resilience, and love for their families — even when resources are lean.
But January also invites a renewal of purpose. Scripture reminds us that nourishment is not only physical but spiritual. In Psalm 107:9 we hear, “He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things.” The good things God provides are not always abundant or perfect, but they are sustaining. They bring comfort. They build connection. They remind us that we are seen, known, and cared for.
This month’s Heart to Table offering — Ham, Collard Greens and Noodles — is a recipe built for real kitchens and real seasons. It is humble but hearty; simple but satisfying. It brings together everyday ingredients in a way that stretches protein, maximizes greens, and turns what’s on hand into a meal that feeds body and soul. Like all Heart to Table recipes, it invites us to cook with intention — to transform ordinary food into nourishment, and simple meals into moments of grace.
So as the new year unfolds, we invite you to gather around the table with those you love. Let this dish be a reminder that faith and sustenance go hand in hand — that care, confidence, and community can make all the difference in how we experience each day.
—RECIPE—
Ham, Collard Greens and Noodles
Flexible. Nourishing. Thrifty. Dignifying.
This January kitchen favorite is designed for flexibility and confidence. It works as a cozy one-pot supper, adapts to what’s already on hand, and transforms everyday ingredients into a meal that feeds body and heart — one of the practical lessons Crossfire shares with families who are cooking on a budget.
❌ You don’t need more ingredients than you already have.
❌ You don’t need specialty tools or advanced skills.
✅ All you need is care, creativity, and trust in what you’re cooking with.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
This dish reflects a core truth we emphasize at Crossfire: Nourishment is not defined by abundance — it’s defined by thoughtful use of what’s given.
Ingredients
3 1/3 cups uncooked wide egg noodles (about 6 oz)
1 tablespoon butter
2 cups diced smoked ham
1 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped red bell peppers (or green)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups sliced collard greens, stems removed
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
3 cups low-sodium fat-free chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Cook noodles according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain and set aside.
In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the smoked ham and cook about 8 minutes, until lightly browned, stirring frequently.
Add onions, carrots, celery, peppers, oregano, thyme, and garlic. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Stir in cider vinegar and cook 1 minute.
Add chicken broth, bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 12 minutes.
Stir in cooked noodles and black pepper; heat 1 minute more, until warmed through.
A Community Challenge for Families
Why This Recipe Belongs on a January Table
Uses pantry staples and everyday ingredients — no exotic purchases required
Transforms simple greens into hearty nourishment
Stretches small amounts of protein into a filling meal
Feeds a crowd without added cost
Reheats and holds well for lunch the next day
This recipe embodies one of Crossfire’s core lessons: when we learn to cook with intention and trust in what we have, nourishment becomes both practical and joyful — even on a tight budget.
This is not scarcity cooking.
It is stewardship cooking.
It reminds us that faithful kitchens are not defined by abundance, but by careful use of resources, generosity of heart, and creative transformation. When families gather around a pot of collard greens and noodles, what’s shared is more than a meal — it’s connection, continuity, and courage for the journey ahead.
A January Practice
As you serve this meal, take a moment to pause together.
Share one thing around the table you are grateful for — aloud.
Consider offering a portion to a neighbor.
Invite someone who might be alone or struggling to join you at your table.
Nourishment multiplies when it is shared. So does hope.
This January, may your kitchen become a place where new beginnings feel tangible, where simple meals carry dignity, and where nourishment extends far beyond food.
This is Crossfire, from Heart to Table.
This is faith made practical.
This is love served warm.
