Tag Archives: Truth

Meatloaf Muffins

27 Aug

What did you have for dinner tonight? I made for my family my meatloaf muffins. They take about 15 minutes to put together and you can customize them depending on the tastes of each family member (no whining when everyone can make their own). Use your favorite meatloaf recipe or you can give mine a whirl.

My basic meatloaf recipe is easy peasy-I start with 1 1/4 pound lean ground beef
and 1 small onion grated (using a box grater).
I add in about 14-18 crushed saltines (yes, saltines), 1 egg beaten, a few
splashes of milk, salt, pepper, and a little onion powder.
Mix Well.
This made exactly 12 muffins. From left to right-Row 1 topped with BBQ sauce
 and sliced onion. Row 2 made a well and put American cheese slices. I sealed the beef
 over the top and topped with ketchup and onion. Row 3 topped with ketchup and
 onion. Row 4 made a well and put in Colby-Jack cheese sealed it up and topped
 with BBQ sauce. Use your imagination! Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes and
 voila! Dinner is done! The meatloaf cooks through without drying out.
Here is what you get (American cheese stuffed topped with ketchup).
We serve ours with some mashed potatoes and salad.
What are your favorite easy go to meals?  If you’re a food blogger (or have a food blog you love) leave me a link in my messages, I would love to see what’s cookin’ in your neck of the woods.
~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca
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Good Intentions

24 Aug

Image“We are a culture trained to be a great starter but not a finisher”

-Beth Moore, A Woman’s Heart God’s Dwelling Place. Video session 9.

I am a gal filled with good intentions.  I daydream and plan loads of things, good things, and helpful things.  The problem is, is that they usually don’t come to pass.  I have purchased supplies to create beautiful things, and ingredients to cook delicious things to just have them collect dust and turn rotten.  I am by no means a mass collector of stuff, (I actually loathe clutter, even the secret kind) I am just a do it tomorrow person.

When watching the above mentioned video, my heart was deeply convicted.  Out of all I have learned and studied the past 10 weeks in this Bible study God decided this is where he wants me to focus a little more intently and seriously.

I seriously made the exasperated sigh generally reserved for teenage parental annoyance.  Seriously, of all things to call me out on You are choosing to call out my good intentions?

It brought me to a place that had me looking and praying long and hard as to why God was calling out this seemingly, insignificant part of my life.  Here is what I learned.  God wants me to make the most of my gifts and abilities.  By not following through I am falling prey to laziness.  Not just to my good intentions but to the most important parts of my life such as prayer, worship, wife, mother, homemaker, homeschooler, etc… I’ve looked over my life lately and see where my laziness as crept into every facet of my life.  Several verses came to mind but the one that really stuck to me was Proverbs 14:23, “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” 

So all my talk and good intentions is stealing my full potential of what God has in store for me.  It never ceases to amaze me that God longs for us to strive for righteousness and He uses, sometimes, interesting outlets to bring forth change in us.

I am always a work in progress but I am sure glad to know that God sees the value in me and puts forth the love and time to help me to be all He has created me to be.  What an awesome God we serve.

Has the Lord convicted you of anything recently?  I would love to know how God is working in your life.

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca

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Homemade Corndog muffins

21 Aug

I have been inspired by many Pinterest recipes some with and some without success.  Here is my version quick, easy, and delicious.  Keep reading for the printable recipe.

This is all you need!
My lovely assistant is demonstrating putting the hot dog pieces into the muffin pan.
Cover each hot dog piece up with some batter and bake for 15 minutes.

                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                 Voila!   Let cool in the pan for about 5 minutes to avoid them becoming a crumbly mess .  Was it a success?  Let’s find out…..                                                 Two enthusiastic thumbs up from my boy-o-boy.  He prefers it with no cheese.  As for my Mells?…..

                                                                                                                                                  

She gives it two thumbs and two toes up! She prefers hers with cheese.
Like it spicy?  Add some chopped Jalapenos to the batter.  Want it more meaty? Go ahead and add more hot dog to each cup.  Have fun making it your own!
 
 This recipe is economical, healthier than the fried alternative especially if you use turkey dogs.  It is quick, and easy enough the kids can help!  Makes a great on the go meal.   Thanks for visiting!
~ Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca
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He Sees You

19 Aug

glowing cross

As you begin a new week and you’re feeling the days are mundane and daunting remember…..

To the tired mama’s who watched the sun rise trying to rock a baby back to sleep-He sees you.

To the husband who works tirelessly to support his family but feels unappreciated at home-He sees you.

For  the toilet, tub, and floor that need to be cleaned again-He sees you.

For the person sitting in the exam room wondering how they are going to handle this diagnosis-He sees you.

To the teen mom who is watching all her friends pack and leave for college-He sees you.

For the weary parents who are praying for a miracle-He sees you.

For weary children struggling, caring for their aging parents while caring for their own children-he sees you.

For the single moms wondering how to make your paycheck stretch even further-He sees you.

To those who feel weary, tired, and broken-He sees you.

Our Heavenly Father sees and loves His children.  You’re not alone, Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged”.  God is there, with you.  The enemy’s whispers will fill you with doubt and his lies will make you feel like a failure but stay strong and courageous.  The Lord is your peace (John 14:27) ,stronghold (Psalm 27:1), and your comforter (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). 

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca

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Can you Relate?

13 Aug

For much of my life my weight determined my quality of life.  What I mean by that is, the heavier I was the less social I became. I would whole myself up hoping to  just become a name without a face. I would slowly draw away from the circle so it would slowly swallow up my gap.  I would become a whisper and a wonder.  I truly felt my self worth was wrapped up to what the number on the scale dictated.  With curtains drawn tight I spiraled into a pit of self loathing.

I have spent my whole life in a death spiral of one crash diet after another. Those consuming diets that steal all your thoughts and leave you watching the hands on the clock tick, tick, tick, ever so slowly waiting for the miserable days to pass. When a diet would finally stick, slowly the sun would begin to shine and I would again emerge vibrant much like a caterpillar breaking free from its cocoon.  Life was mine to enjoy once again.  I would seize every opportunity until it was time to repeat the cycle again.

I really needed proper perspective in order to reclaim my life and find joy regardless to what the scale said.  Psalm 139:4 says, I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful.  If God’s works are wonderful than so must I be. I am God’s workman, created to do good works, which Christ prepared in advance for me (Eph. 2:10). How am I to follow Christ if I am unable to allow His will on my life?  I must recognize the voice of the enemy when he is whispering his sweet lies in my ear and remind him that I don’t walk of the flesh but of the spirit (Romans 8:1).  For God has plans for me to prosper (Jeremiah 29:11).  Do you see, there are no conditions to that.  He doesn’t say I will prosper when I am 110 pounds, He says I will prosper because He says so! I  just have to be a willing vessel for His love and goodness.

Being at a place right now where I would normally hide, I am pushing myself to keep letting the sun shine on my face.  Letting God work through me for His glory. I am grateful that God’s grace is given to me in abundance.  I pray for victory!

Can you relate?  I would love to hear from you!

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca

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Something Funny Happened on the Way to the Grocery Store

9 Aug

praiseI found myself alone in the car today.  I was feeling a little sorry for myself-Stressed at the first week chaos of homeschooling and all the little things that come up in life.  I won’t lie, there were tears.  Oh poor me tears.  Self consuming tears.  Selfish, life isn’t fair tears.  But then, something funny happened.  God showed up in a song and it changed my heart.  A song I’ve heard a hundred times, but today the words came to life.

It got me thinking about how very blessed we are to live in a country where we are free (for now) to share our thoughts and opinions, to disagree, to think freely, to dress as we please, to go where we please, to eat what we please and to worship our God freely and openly without fear.  This is normal life to us.  We don’t really appreciate these freedoms until we are reminded that life isn’t so everywhere else.

I know many friends who came here seeking a safe place to lay their heads.  Coming from places so volatile that all they can mutter about it is that they are blessed to be here. Perspective is the greatest humbler.   So I will shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth (Psalm 100:1) and  I will do it without fear, for I am a blessed American woman!   Here is the song that changed my attitude http://youtu.be/_MbcYyOsF50
A prayer for you:
Thank you God for blessing me with being a woman, wife, and mother here in America.  Thank you for the blessing of clean water, abundant food, education, and medicine regardless of money.  Thank you God for the freedom to worship you wherever and whenever we choose- free from persecution.  Lord, I pray for the people who live oppressed persecuted lives. For the people who live in fear and without hope.  Lord, somehow someway touch them and deliver them from the bondage.  With praise and thanksgiving to you, my mighty, loving King.

How is God working in your life? I would love to know.
~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca

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Giving Up on Perfection

5 Aug

 

stain glass

In the age of Pinterest and similar social media, It is easy to feel the inadequacies of others seemingly perfect lives. I know that there are moments in my day that I hope nobody stops by for an impromptu visit. I will admit that I have heard a knock at the door at a time my house wasn’t looking so hot.  Scooping my children to the floor and giving them the “look” that would make an angry bear stand still. Have you been there?  It’s OK to not live in perfection and it’s OK to invite others to be a part of your imperfections. To most, it would probably be a sigh of relief.  I will say that I don’t think it is OK to live in filth and utter chaos but crumbs on the floor from lunch and toys strewn about the living room shows that their is life and a family in that home, and they are living life and enjoying it and hopefully willing to welcome others into it.

Go ahead and share about the meltdown your child had in the busy grocery store, or that you fell asleep and missed the bus dropping off your 4 year old child and you didn’t hear them trying to call you for over an hour,(sorry Alison), or fill in your own blank. You just might make a difference, a connection, and a friend.

I think it’sur vulnerability and imperfections that allows others to see God’s work in our lives. Isn’t that the point?  To see God where you least expect Him-in the imperfections and ugliness of life. That no matter what, “He’s not finished with me yet!” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=typAqPJ-Zn8)

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca

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Dreamy Creamy Chicken Burritos

3 Aug
 

This is easily one of our favorite meals and it is the most requested by my extended family and friends. Simple, delicious, and slow cooker friendly! Keep reading to get the printable recipe.

You will need: 1-10.5 Oz can of cream of chicken soup, 3/4 C salsa,
3/4 C sour cream, 1/3 C milk, 1-4oz can chopped green chilies and 1 C shredded cheese.
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Set aside.
I sprayed a Pyrex baking dish with non stick spray and added a little
salsa on the bottom of the pan, this keeps the tortillas from sticking
to the bottom of the baking dish.
 
 
Cook up the chicken and add the sauce.
Spoon chicken mixture onto tortilla and sprinkle with a little more cheese.
.
Add the rest of the sauce evenly over the tortillas and add the rest
of the cheese over the top.
Let rest for 5 minutes before cutting.
That is if you can wait that long! Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

This is also an awesome dip- I put the chicken mixture in a slow cooker and serve with tortilla chips.  Serve with shredded lettuce, fresh diced tomatoes and extra sour cream or salsa!  Serve this at your next potluck or dinner party and I promise everyone will want to leave with a copy of the recipe!
~Be Blessed and Be a Blessing~
Rebecca
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The Quarrelsome Wife

1 Aug

couple

 

A long day, over scheduled, tired mama keeping it together until the garage door opens.  In he walks, hoping for the smiling faces, warm embraces, and the imminent smell of dinner.  Instead, he walks into a pressure cooker.  He already knows he is in for it and immediately wants to be anywhere but home.  His home is no longer a safe haven from the world it is a place of discord and tension.
Yes, I am guilty of being that wife.  I am guilty of nagging him until he relents, treating him as if he is inferior, and throwing all his shortcomings at him (exaggerated and imaginary ones at that).  Shameful!  I have seen the tension and pain this has caused him and my family.  I don’t want to be THAT wife. So how do I strive to be the wife my husband deserves?
First and foremost I meet with God daily and pray that I would be a wife of noble character (Proverbs 31:10-31).  We pray for our family or for so-and-so to change, but really we need to be in prayer for God to help us change our hearts.  Secondly, I can’t expect my husband to be my god.  If you hold your husband responsible to be your everything-he will fail you and let you down, daily.  Give him grace and trust that God will meet all your needs (Philippians 4:19).  Respect him.  It can be tough, but a man would rather be respected than loved.  God doesn’t tell us to respect our husband only if he (name any expectation).  God calls our husbands to love us and for us to respect them (Ephesians 5:33). Lastly, prepare for him to come home.  20-30 minutes before he gets home have the kids help you tidy up, comb your hair, brush your teeth, get dressed, do something that makes you feel pretty (make-up, perfume, jewelry, etc).  Get the kids excited.  A few minutes before he arrives home tell them something like “Hurray, daddy will be home soon, who’s excited?  Who will be the first to give daddy a big hug?” or something like that.  When the kiddos are excited chances are you will be too!
Just think of the power you have to set the tone of your home.  When your husband is greeted by a cheerful wife chances are this man will do just about anything you ask of him.  Believe it or not, he really does want to please you, you just have to go about it the right way.
Give it a try and see what a positive difference it makes not only in your marriage but in your family.

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca

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Fix it and Forget it Pork Chop Bake

30 Jul

It’s true…making homemade scalloped potatoes is not scary-in fact it is almost fool proof (trust me). This recipe was born out of my love for the potatoes but not of the strange looking dehydrated like potatoes you can buy in the box. This is a fix it a forget it meal. So versatile and you can easily add in extra ingredients and flavors to fit your likes. I will share the basic recipe and from there have fun making it your own!

Ingredients needed to get started.
First step add1-2 bouillon cube (s) to 1 3/4 C water and bring to a boil and remove from heat.
You want the bouillon cube to dissolve. Or go ahead and use equivalent already prepared stock (14 oz.)
In a large skillet  heat 1-2 Tbsp olive oil over med-high heat.
Season your chops with salt and pepper.
Add pork chops to pan and brown both sides-3-4 minutes per side.
While chops are frying prep your potatoes.
Nice and golden on both sides.
Add your sliced onions to the same pan. Let the onions cook in the drippings
Remove onions from pan.
Melt 2 Tbsp butter in hot pan.
Add the flour and whisk to make a roux.
Add in the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup( and optional cheese.and any other veggie add ins).Add the onions back in and turn heat to low.
Butter a 13×9 (or whatever works for you) casserole dish. And arrange
potatoes in an overlapping stacking pattern (yes, it is OK to arrange the potatoes in 2 layers-
it will still cook evenly and thoroughly).
Pour sauce over potatoes-no need to mix.
Lay pork chops on top of potatoes. No need to press them down.
Cover with foil and bake in a 350 oven for 65-75 minutes or for extra tender chops bake in
a 300 degree oven for 2-2 1/2 hours.
Ta-Da! Remove foil and let sit for 10 minutes to give the sauce a chance to thicken.

 

Click Here For Printable Recipe

See-easy 🙂  You can also make this ahead of time and stick it in your fridge until you are ready to cook. Just remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking to allow the pork chop bake to come to room temperature (ensures even cooking time and keeps meat from being tough).
Try adding sauteed mushrooms, different cream soups such as cream of mushroom or cream of celery, or our favorite green beans. Season with your favorite herbs and spices to give it even more flavor.  Try adding some grated cheese to the sauce-makes the dish even more decadent! This is also an easy meal to put together to bring to a sick friend or a family with a new baby.
~ Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca
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