Friday, January 24, 2014

Running with Endurance


Do you find it funny how everything these days is a competition?  Recently I've realized how much pressure is 'in the world' to compete.  It really is sad.....I'm better at this than you or my kid can do this better than your kid or my husband is the BEST at this.....the list continues.  As I typed that list, I didn't feel an ounce of love in any of those statements, did you?  

I'm thankful that the Bible doesn't mention anything about being a good competitor but yet to run a race of endurance.  I enjoy running.  It is a new found passion of mine and last year as I was training for my first 5K I realized that I could not start out the race running as fast as I can but yet, I had to pace myself and that when I first started running, I wasn't able to run 3 miles straight at one time but had to build up my running ability and if I didn't stretch my muscles beforehand and eat properly that I didn't have the stamina to finish my run.  

It's the same with our spiritual walks, isn't it?  We have to stretch our faith and feed on the word to have stamina for this race.  We have to pace ourselves and build up our God given abilities as we 'train' with Jesus.  So, today I am thankful for endurance.  Thankful that God gives me strength to run this race of life every day and that He helps me to not compare myself with others or 'compete' with them but focus on the finish line....eternity with HIM in heaven!!  There's work to be done, friends, may we all press on with endurance and strength!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."  Hebrews 12:1-3



Monday, January 6, 2014

Make Ahead Freezer Meals for the Month






Meal time is always one of the most stressful times in our house.  From not knowing what to cook to just not having the TIME to cook it.  Last Saturday, I spent ALL day in the kitchen, preparing various meals to put away in the freezer so that we will have hassle free dinners for the rest of the month.

Last week's dinner time was AWESOME!!  It was so nice to come home and just pop dinner in the oven with NO preparation.  I was able to do things around the house outside the kitchen.  Even better was the little to NO clean up left after dinner.....I mean seriously, how hard it it to clean a spoon and the dinner plates?!?

Here is a link to the recipes I used. 

The meals I prepared were:

  1.  Mini Meatloaves
  2. Ham & Cheese Braid
  3. Beef Ravioli
  4. Smothered Pork Chops
  5. Farmer’s Casserole
  6. Buffalo Shrimp
  7. Shepherd’s Pie
  8. Baked French Toast
  9. Tater Tot Casserole
  10. Simple Lasagna
For our family of 4, there ended up being enough for 2-3 meals from each recipe.  Let me know if you try it and how it goes for you!!

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Thursday, January 2, 2014

Heavenly Moist Chocolate Chip Cookies (with applesauce)


I whipped up some Chocolate Chip Cookies for a New Years Eve party that we went to and they received RAVED reviews by those young and even younger.  I was pleasantly surprised because I had to do some improvising while I was whipping them up.  I ended up not having enough butter [isn't it AMAZING how much butter cookies take?]  I used the basic recipe here while substituting some of the butter with applesauce.  (see Recipe below)  I also took a risk and used my brand new NINJA to help with the cookie dough - all around these cookies are heavenly......to make, to bake, and to E-A-T!

Enjoy!! 

Heavenly Chocolate Chip Cookies  

  • 2 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 stick butter
  • 1/2 cup applesauce
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 small pkg. instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 pkg chocolate chips

Directions:

  1. Stir baking soda, flour and salt; set aside.
  2. Combine butter, sugars and pudding mix, beating until fluffy.
  3. Add vanilla and egg; beat until smooth.
  4. Add dry ingredients; mix well.
  5. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.
  6. Bake at 375° for 8-10 minutes.

Printable Recipe