As I sit to write this blog, I am reminded of the fact that my daughter will turn 14 this Friday! Where did the time go? It seems like only yesterday I had her cuddled in my arms with feelings of overwhelming love and fear all at the same time. As a new mom, we all wonder how we could ever love anyone more and question how we will ever be able to protect our children and care for them the way God has intended for us to. For myself, there were even greater emotions as I cradled my newborn and wondered who would ever "choose" us.
You see, I was a single mom setting out to raise a little girl on my own. There were obvious, overwhelming questions that I struggled with. But God had even greater plans for us than I could have ever imagined! He sent us the most wonderful husband / father that any girl(s) could ever ask for. We were so blessed to have a man who chose us! Who loves us and accepts us unconditionally!
Several years ago, while driving down the road, I explained this to my daughter. I shared how much her daddy loved her and chose to be her daddy; the same way that God chooses us to be His very own! In Ephesians, Paul explains to us that as Christians, we will receive the same inheritance from God our Father as Jesus! Just as my daughter will inherit the same blessing as her siblings, we will gain the same inheritance as Jesus! Can you even begin to wrap your mind around that thought, dear friend?
How about you? Do you feel neglected? Like no one loves you? Do you feel lonely? Like no one understands where you've been or the hurt you've felt? Do you feel abandoned? The ones you thought loved you and cared for you have left you for bigger or better dreams? You are not alone! I dare say we all have had these emotions at one time or another. But God loved us so much that He sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. He made a way for us to be connected to him! How did He chose you? Do you remember the very day that you were "adopted" into the Kingdom of Heaven?
I'll never forget the day the judge ruled and the decision was final for my daughter to legally be adopted by my husband. It was a day of celebration! Do you vividly remember the day your name was changed and you became a child of God? If not, you can. Today can be the beginning of your celebration!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Pumpkin Pie Bars
It's October, and Fall is in full swing. With the chipper mornings and beautiful afternoons, it is perfect weather for traditional home cooking. If you like pumpkin pie and cheesecake, you'll LOVE this recipe! It is a wonderful combination of the two.
Pumpkin Pie Bars
Crust:
1 box yellow cake mix (I prefer Duncan Hines cake mixes.)
1 egg
1 stick butter, melted
Filling:
1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese (room temperature)
1 (16-oz.) box powder sugar
1 stick butter (room temperature)
3 eggs
1 (15-oz.) can pumpkin
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. vanilla flavoring
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13x9 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Mix all three crust ingredients together with an electric mixer until a stiff dough is formed. Press dough evenly into the bottom of the baking dish. Using the same bowl (no need to wash), beat the cream cheese, powder sugar, and butter until creamy. Add the eggs (one at a time), then add the pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Mix until fully combined. Pour over the pressed crust and bake for 40-45 minutes or until done. You want the center to be a little gooey, so don't over bake! Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
Don't cut these too big. They are rich and filling.
Suggestion:
For an added touch, you can sprinkle the serving platter with cinnamon before placing the bars on it. Then garnish each bar with whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon as well. Then they will be just as beautiful as they are delicious! (You can leave the whipped topping off of mine.)
Pumpkin Pie Bars
Crust:
1 box yellow cake mix (I prefer Duncan Hines cake mixes.)
1 egg
1 stick butter, melted
Filling:
1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese (room temperature)
1 (16-oz.) box powder sugar
1 stick butter (room temperature)
3 eggs
1 (15-oz.) can pumpkin
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. vanilla flavoring
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13x9 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Mix all three crust ingredients together with an electric mixer until a stiff dough is formed. Press dough evenly into the bottom of the baking dish. Using the same bowl (no need to wash), beat the cream cheese, powder sugar, and butter until creamy. Add the eggs (one at a time), then add the pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Mix until fully combined. Pour over the pressed crust and bake for 40-45 minutes or until done. You want the center to be a little gooey, so don't over bake! Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
Don't cut these too big. They are rich and filling.
Suggestion:
For an added touch, you can sprinkle the serving platter with cinnamon before placing the bars on it. Then garnish each bar with whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon as well. Then they will be just as beautiful as they are delicious! (You can leave the whipped topping off of mine.)
Monday, October 11, 2010
Dark Mocha Brownies
Dark Mocha Brownies
1 box dark chocolate brownie mix (check the back of the box for additional ingredients)
1 bag dark chocolate chips (reserve 1/2 cup)
1 (8-oz.) pk. cream cheese
1 stick butter (plus 1 T.)
1 box powder sugar
2 T. coffee or espresso (room temperature)
Mix brownies according to package directions and stir in the chocolate chips (making sure to set 1/2 cup aside). Cook according to package directions and cool completely. Bring the cream cheese and butter to room temperature. Mix cream cheese, butter, and powder sugar with an electric mixer until creamy. Add coffee and mix well. Spread over brownies. Melt the reserved 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips and 1 T. butter in the microwave. Stir well and drizzle over the cream cheese frosting. Enjoy!
Hint: My husband and I enjoyed these better chilled. So I recommend to refrigerate them before serving. Also... if you love raspberries as much as we do, scoop 1/2 c. raspberry jam into a bowl and stir well with a spoon. Using the spoon, drizzle the raspberry jam over the cream cheese frosting as well. YUMMY!!!
1 box dark chocolate brownie mix (check the back of the box for additional ingredients)
1 bag dark chocolate chips (reserve 1/2 cup)
1 (8-oz.) pk. cream cheese
1 stick butter (plus 1 T.)
1 box powder sugar
2 T. coffee or espresso (room temperature)
Mix brownies according to package directions and stir in the chocolate chips (making sure to set 1/2 cup aside). Cook according to package directions and cool completely. Bring the cream cheese and butter to room temperature. Mix cream cheese, butter, and powder sugar with an electric mixer until creamy. Add coffee and mix well. Spread over brownies. Melt the reserved 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips and 1 T. butter in the microwave. Stir well and drizzle over the cream cheese frosting. Enjoy!
Hint: My husband and I enjoyed these better chilled. So I recommend to refrigerate them before serving. Also... if you love raspberries as much as we do, scoop 1/2 c. raspberry jam into a bowl and stir well with a spoon. Using the spoon, drizzle the raspberry jam over the cream cheese frosting as well. YUMMY!!!
Ranch Cheese Ball
Since football season is in full swing, I thought I'd post a couple of finger food recipes that are great to serve if you're having friends over to watch a game.
Ranch Cheese Ball
1 (16-oz.) cream cheese
1 c. grated Cheddar, Co-Jack, or Colby Cheese
1 envelope dry Ranch dressing mix
real bacon bits
Mix softened cream cheese, dressing mix, and cheese together and form into a ball. Roll in bacon bits. Chill and serve with Ritz crackers.
Ranch Cheese Ball
1 (16-oz.) cream cheese
1 c. grated Cheddar, Co-Jack, or Colby Cheese
1 envelope dry Ranch dressing mix
real bacon bits
Mix softened cream cheese, dressing mix, and cheese together and form into a ball. Roll in bacon bits. Chill and serve with Ritz crackers.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Masks
As a child, I was intrigued by masks. Mardi Gr as masks to be exact. They are colorful, flashy, and glittery; what little girl isn't? As my husband and I were shopping in St. Augustine last week, one of the shops had an array of them. As I gazed at their beauty, my mind started to wander...
How many colorful masks do I own? Do I hide behind walls of guilt, bitterness, resentment and anger? Do I fake good to hide bad? Sadly, we often put on a front to disguise the real us! Our purses are full of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, and white masks. As we look at these eight colors, examine your own heart and see how many masks you own.
Let's start with red. Red can be used as caution or warning, or as a sign of power and strength. I like to grab my red mask when things are not going my way! The one that, unfortunately, I put on yesterday morning as the house was a wreck (or so I thought) and it had to be dealt with immediately! I was "cautioning" those around me, by my actions, that things were not as they should be and showing my "power" that they were going to be! Instead of signaling caution to others that I'm frustrated, I need to allow the Holy Spirit to be in control of my actions and caution me to stop and ask for His help and guidance. "An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression." Proverbs 29:22
What about orange? Orange is presently my favorite color, and it represents warmth. When are my qualities warm and inviting? When are others drawn to the God I serve and see His warmth present within my actions? Only when I am walking daily with Him! Only when I allow the Holy Spirit to guide my steps and guard my heart against any selfish ambition. My husband and I love to host get togethers / parties, have people over for dinner or to just "hang out". This is when my "orange mask" truly shines. When I am serving and loving others. At times, as I have shared with my closest friends, I don't feel like wearing the orange mask. But as a Child of God, this is not an option! "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, [even] in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." Galatians 5:14 "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 "Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality." Romans 12:13
Yellow has two meanings. One is cheerful, happy, or playful while the other is associated with being scared or a coward. And, if you ask me, they can really go hand in hand. Often times, the yellow mask may start off very happy, but end up a coward. An example of this mask in my own life is when I have embraced what I think to be a most amazing idea; I share it with family and close friends and then announce it with a megaphone. Just because I am excited and think it is marvelous, others should too, right? Then as the idea is talked through or worked out, the excitement I feel may not be as exciting to those around me and I become a coward. The yellow masks doesn't let anyone in for fear they may be hurt or mistreated. These are those who jump in head first, giving their whole heart to a matter, but often end up on the bottom of the pool. "It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows." Proverbs 20:25 "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken." Proverbs 15:13
Moving on to green. I love a green mask. It represents health, growth, nature, fertility, and safety. This is the "second chance" mask. The one we pull out when we want to start over. We've sinned, missed the target, and need forgiveness. I need to make sure I have a green mask in the van, my purse, and every room of the house! How many times do I need to ask forgiveness for sinning against a Holy God and those around me? More than I can count! We must be dependant upon The Lord to convict us and then not too prideful to seek forgiveness. "[When] pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly [is] wisdom." Proverbs 11:2 "A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor." Proverbs 29:23
Blue is a calming color. It shows creativity, intelligence, loyalty, strength, wisdom, and trust. When are you most creative? To whom are you loyal? When do you demonstrate strength and wisdom? If we are allowing the Holy Spirit to consume us, this blue mask should never be one we have to "find". It should always be woven within the other colors to reflect our loyalty to the God we serve and our dependence upon Him for wisdom and strength. Through His guidance, we will be challenged to be creative in how we love and minister to others. Blue is a staple! "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Ephesians 6:13
Purple reflects nobility, royalty, and power. This color, like blue, should be woven into everything we do. If you are God's chosen child, adopted by Him to inherit an eternity in heaven, you are royalty! (Ephesians 1:5) And the same power that raised Jesus from the dead dwells within you, my friend! (Romans 8:12) Now that is something to get excited about and shout over! Why is it, then, that we often live such defeated lives? Our conversations do not always reflect the power over sin we encompass. Nor does it reflect the "crown of royalty" we wear. The negative, downcast spirit should not be a part of our wardrobe. "But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:." 1 Peter 2:9
Black is used to often depict something evil, scary, or depressing. We have all fallen into this category because God's word says "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God". That means no one is exempt from the wickedness they were born into. You, like myself, were born a sinner. Nothing you can or will do could ever make you any better apart from the saving grace of Jesus. And nothing you can do will earn you the right to be called His child. It is only through His shed blood that you can have forgiveness from your sin. Yes, we are all born sinners, but there is hope! Romans 6:23 says "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." I was born in America, have a list of ancestors who were Christians, my dad is a pastor, husband is a full time minister, and I go to church! That should count for something, right? The Bible says "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.: Isaiah 64:6 Nothing I have done will ever earn me the right to be one of God's chosen children. It is only through the acknowledgment of my own sinfulness and recognizing my need for Him to save me from myself. Are you wearing this mask? You don't have to!
White is a symbol of pure, clean, fresh, good, and positive. Do you wear this mask, or dig it out when someone rings the doorbell? Our motives should be good, right, and positive. We should desire to serve The Lord in all we do. When others are around us, they should leave knowing they have been in the presence of a Child of God.
In Mardi Gr as, these masks are worn to hide identity. If no one can recognize you, they don't know what you're doing. My 10 month old loves to get into the "no no zone". When we stop her, she makes eye contact and continues to explore while smiling. If we're staring at her we can't see what she's doing (or so she thinks). That's how we live our lives sometimes. Always throwing on some mask so that others don't see the pain, hurt, or regret that we carry around.
What color of mask do you mostly wear?
What color do you need to reflect more often?
If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it. ~Mary Engelbreit
The Real Me by Natalie Grant
How many colorful masks do I own? Do I hide behind walls of guilt, bitterness, resentment and anger? Do I fake good to hide bad? Sadly, we often put on a front to disguise the real us! Our purses are full of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, and white masks. As we look at these eight colors, examine your own heart and see how many masks you own.
Let's start with red. Red can be used as caution or warning, or as a sign of power and strength. I like to grab my red mask when things are not going my way! The one that, unfortunately, I put on yesterday morning as the house was a wreck (or so I thought) and it had to be dealt with immediately! I was "cautioning" those around me, by my actions, that things were not as they should be and showing my "power" that they were going to be! Instead of signaling caution to others that I'm frustrated, I need to allow the Holy Spirit to be in control of my actions and caution me to stop and ask for His help and guidance. "An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression." Proverbs 29:22
What about orange? Orange is presently my favorite color, and it represents warmth. When are my qualities warm and inviting? When are others drawn to the God I serve and see His warmth present within my actions? Only when I am walking daily with Him! Only when I allow the Holy Spirit to guide my steps and guard my heart against any selfish ambition. My husband and I love to host get togethers / parties, have people over for dinner or to just "hang out". This is when my "orange mask" truly shines. When I am serving and loving others. At times, as I have shared with my closest friends, I don't feel like wearing the orange mask. But as a Child of God, this is not an option! "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, [even] in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." Galatians 5:14 "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 "Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality." Romans 12:13
Yellow has two meanings. One is cheerful, happy, or playful while the other is associated with being scared or a coward. And, if you ask me, they can really go hand in hand. Often times, the yellow mask may start off very happy, but end up a coward. An example of this mask in my own life is when I have embraced what I think to be a most amazing idea; I share it with family and close friends and then announce it with a megaphone. Just because I am excited and think it is marvelous, others should too, right? Then as the idea is talked through or worked out, the excitement I feel may not be as exciting to those around me and I become a coward. The yellow masks doesn't let anyone in for fear they may be hurt or mistreated. These are those who jump in head first, giving their whole heart to a matter, but often end up on the bottom of the pool. "It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows." Proverbs 20:25 "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken." Proverbs 15:13
Moving on to green. I love a green mask. It represents health, growth, nature, fertility, and safety. This is the "second chance" mask. The one we pull out when we want to start over. We've sinned, missed the target, and need forgiveness. I need to make sure I have a green mask in the van, my purse, and every room of the house! How many times do I need to ask forgiveness for sinning against a Holy God and those around me? More than I can count! We must be dependant upon The Lord to convict us and then not too prideful to seek forgiveness. "[When] pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly [is] wisdom." Proverbs 11:2 "A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor." Proverbs 29:23
Blue is a calming color. It shows creativity, intelligence, loyalty, strength, wisdom, and trust. When are you most creative? To whom are you loyal? When do you demonstrate strength and wisdom? If we are allowing the Holy Spirit to consume us, this blue mask should never be one we have to "find". It should always be woven within the other colors to reflect our loyalty to the God we serve and our dependence upon Him for wisdom and strength. Through His guidance, we will be challenged to be creative in how we love and minister to others. Blue is a staple! "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Ephesians 6:13
Purple reflects nobility, royalty, and power. This color, like blue, should be woven into everything we do. If you are God's chosen child, adopted by Him to inherit an eternity in heaven, you are royalty! (Ephesians 1:5) And the same power that raised Jesus from the dead dwells within you, my friend! (Romans 8:12) Now that is something to get excited about and shout over! Why is it, then, that we often live such defeated lives? Our conversations do not always reflect the power over sin we encompass. Nor does it reflect the "crown of royalty" we wear. The negative, downcast spirit should not be a part of our wardrobe. "But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:." 1 Peter 2:9
Black is used to often depict something evil, scary, or depressing. We have all fallen into this category because God's word says "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God". That means no one is exempt from the wickedness they were born into. You, like myself, were born a sinner. Nothing you can or will do could ever make you any better apart from the saving grace of Jesus. And nothing you can do will earn you the right to be called His child. It is only through His shed blood that you can have forgiveness from your sin. Yes, we are all born sinners, but there is hope! Romans 6:23 says "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." I was born in America, have a list of ancestors who were Christians, my dad is a pastor, husband is a full time minister, and I go to church! That should count for something, right? The Bible says "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.: Isaiah 64:6 Nothing I have done will ever earn me the right to be one of God's chosen children. It is only through the acknowledgment of my own sinfulness and recognizing my need for Him to save me from myself. Are you wearing this mask? You don't have to!
White is a symbol of pure, clean, fresh, good, and positive. Do you wear this mask, or dig it out when someone rings the doorbell? Our motives should be good, right, and positive. We should desire to serve The Lord in all we do. When others are around us, they should leave knowing they have been in the presence of a Child of God.
In Mardi Gr as, these masks are worn to hide identity. If no one can recognize you, they don't know what you're doing. My 10 month old loves to get into the "no no zone". When we stop her, she makes eye contact and continues to explore while smiling. If we're staring at her we can't see what she's doing (or so she thinks). That's how we live our lives sometimes. Always throwing on some mask so that others don't see the pain, hurt, or regret that we carry around.
What color of mask do you mostly wear?
What color do you need to reflect more often?
If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it. ~Mary Engelbreit
The Real Me by Natalie Grant
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Chicken Bog
I was first introduced to this dish when we lived in Navarre, Florida. A friend of ours, who was living there at the time, was a native of North Carolina where it was popular. I hope you all will enjoy this twist on chicken and rice as much as our family does!
Chicken Bog
3 chicken breasts (with or without bone)
1 pkg. smoked sausage
5 c. chicken broth (use the broth you'll cook the chicken in)
2 c. long grain rice, raw (I prefer Uncle Ben's)
1 stick margarine (cut in half)
season salt & pepper
Using a large pot, boil the chicken, 1/2 of the margarine, and season salt in lots of water until fully cooked. (Remember... you need 5 cups of broth to use later on, and the water evaporates while you cook it.) Set
5 c. broth aside. Boil sausage in a separate pot for 15 minutes. (Do not reserve the sausage water. Pour it out.) Cut the chicken into bite size pieces and sausage into small circles. Set aside. In a large pot, combine the 5 c. chicken broth, the other 1/2 stick of margarine, salt and pepper (to taste). Bring to a boil. Add chicken, sausage, and rice. Lower heat and cover. Cook 30 minutes.
I typically serve this dish with ford hook lima beans and biscuits.
Chicken Bog
3 chicken breasts (with or without bone)
1 pkg. smoked sausage
5 c. chicken broth (use the broth you'll cook the chicken in)
2 c. long grain rice, raw (I prefer Uncle Ben's)
1 stick margarine (cut in half)
season salt & pepper
Using a large pot, boil the chicken, 1/2 of the margarine, and season salt in lots of water until fully cooked. (Remember... you need 5 cups of broth to use later on, and the water evaporates while you cook it.) Set
5 c. broth aside. Boil sausage in a separate pot for 15 minutes. (Do not reserve the sausage water. Pour it out.) Cut the chicken into bite size pieces and sausage into small circles. Set aside. In a large pot, combine the 5 c. chicken broth, the other 1/2 stick of margarine, salt and pepper (to taste). Bring to a boil. Add chicken, sausage, and rice. Lower heat and cover. Cook 30 minutes.
I typically serve this dish with ford hook lima beans and biscuits.
Monkey Bread
This is a family favorite! When we were living in Valdosta, I would make this almost every Sunday night! Our friends would come over and bring their own bag (of food) and I would have this baking for us to enjoy for dessert. One friend always requested milk with hers =).
This is also our standard "sleepover" breakfast. And since I made it just this morning, I thought I would post the recipe for you to enjoy as well!
MONKEY BREAD
4 cans refrigerator biscuits
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 c. sugar
1 stick butter (I use real butter!) at room temperature
1 cup brown sugar, packed (I use dark brown sugar.)
1/2 cup pecans, raisins, and or thinly sliced apples if desired.
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Tear each biscuit into 4 pieces.
Toss biscuit pieces into cinnamon sugar mixture (several at a time) to coat well.
If you choose to add the pecans, raisins, or apples, sprinkle them onto the bottom of your pan.
Place biscuit pieces in a tube or Bundt pan until all are used. (Spray pan with non-stick cooking spray.)
Mix softened butter and brown sugar with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle over biscuits.
Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack. Turn upside down to serve.
This is also our standard "sleepover" breakfast. And since I made it just this morning, I thought I would post the recipe for you to enjoy as well!
MONKEY BREAD
4 cans refrigerator biscuits
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 c. sugar
1 stick butter (I use real butter!) at room temperature
1 cup brown sugar, packed (I use dark brown sugar.)
1/2 cup pecans, raisins, and or thinly sliced apples if desired.
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Tear each biscuit into 4 pieces.
Toss biscuit pieces into cinnamon sugar mixture (several at a time) to coat well.
If you choose to add the pecans, raisins, or apples, sprinkle them onto the bottom of your pan.
Place biscuit pieces in a tube or Bundt pan until all are used. (Spray pan with non-stick cooking spray.)
Mix softened butter and brown sugar with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle over biscuits.
Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack. Turn upside down to serve.
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