Crock-Pot Cooking

Crock-pots, a busy woman's best friend. What other woman is busier than a MOM??! Crock-pots are great anytime of the year, but as the holidays and cooler weather approaches, crock-pots can help moms serve up some wonderful comfort food without missing any of the activities of this time of year.

During the next month, I will post some crock-pot recipes for you to try with your family. This first one came from my friend, Trish. I can't wait to go to the North Georgia mountains to get some apples to make this. I am thinking buttermilk biscuits, or even better, apple fritters! Oh, yum!!

CROCK POT APPLE BUTTER

Ingredients:
16 cups apples, peeled and diced (recipe says Granny Smiths, but all the orchards had something to say about which kind was best to use)
7 or 8 cups sugar
8 tsp. cinnamon

Directions:

1. Peel and slice apples, add all ingredients to a crock pot.

2. Cook on low for 14 hours or more, stirring occasionally to make sure the sides don't burn.

3. When it starts to look like dark apple butter, blenderize it in batches to help it along, then return it to the crock pot to finish cooking. It may be slightly watery, that's fine.

4. Freeze in in freezer bags or can it in jars with your canner. If you can it, can it while hot following manufacturer's directions.

5. Makes about 3 pint jars and a small one to stick in your fridge and use immediately with hot biscuits!

Hope you enjoy it!

A Mom's Prayer

God,

Thank you for the one who is reading these words right now.
I'm so glad that wherever she is, you are there too.

Today I ask that you would bring her JOY--
the kind that comes from deep inside
and stays despite our circumstances.
You know what's on her heart today,
those worries that keep coming back.
Lift the burdens from her shoulders,
carry them for her...and please carry her too.

I also pray that you would bring her HOPE--
the kind that is so much bigger than blue skies,
the sort of hope that sees us through the storms
and walks us into the light of a better, brighter day.
If her belief is sagging or her spirit weary
give her strength to press on to all you have for her.

And, most of all, I pray for LOVE in her her life--
the kind that is unconditional, real, healing
and gives us the courage to become
all you made us to be because we know
we're deeply loved just as we are now.

Please let her feel your Presence and these prayers
with her right now, in this moment.

Thank you for being with her always as you promised.

Amen.

From Heart to Heart with Holley

Just Desserts

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Ingredients
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 (16 ounce) can pumpkin
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups vegetable oil (yes, 1 1/4 cups)
3 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (Regular or mini, I like mini best)

Directions
1.In large mixing bowl beat eggs, sugar, pumpkin, vanilla and oil until smooth.
2.Mix dry ingredients together and mix into pumpkin mixture. Fold in chocolate chips.
3.Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups 3/4 full.
4.Bake at 400 F for 16-20 minutes.

What's For Dinner, Mommy?

Chicken Tetrazinni (serves 4-6)

2 cups spaghetti, cooked and drained
2 cups chicken, cooked and diced
1 can cream soup
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/4 cup green or red pepper, chopped
1 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, grated

Saute onions and peppers in a little oil. Mix with the rest of the ingredients. Cool and put a freezer bag and freeze flat.

When ready to use, thaw and place in a 9x13 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes until heated through. (I like to sprinkle with additional cheese.)

I doubled the recipe and split it into 3 freezer bags as it will be enough for three dinners for us.

Boo-tiful Ideas

Northridge's Trunk or Treat

Trunk or Treat time is here!! This Wednesday, October 28, Northridge Christian will host a Trunk or Treat for families. This is a fun time for families to play together, spend a few minutes in worship together and end the evening with the Trunk or Treat. The activities, including inflatables,will begin around 5pm. Dinner will be served until around 7pm. Gather your little pumpkins, their costumes and treat bags. Join in the fun this Wednesday!!

Boo-tiful Ideas

Pumpkin Prayer

Gather 1 pumpkin, a knife, candle or battery-operated votive and the children. As you carve the pumpkin, pray this prayer.
Cut off top of pumpkin- "Lord, open my mind so I can learn things about You."
Remove the inside of pumpkin-"Remove the things in my life that don't please You. Forgive the wrong things I do and help me to forgive others."
Cut out the eyes- "Open my eyes to see the beauty You've made in the world around me."
Cut out the nose- "I'm sorry for the times I've turned my nose at the good food You provide."
Cut out the mouth- "Let everything I say please You."
Light the candle- "Lord, help me show Your light to others through the things I do. Amen."

A Mom's Prayer

A Two Word Prayer

Lysa TerKeurst is one of my absolute favorite speakers and writers. She is a real mom, struggling with the very same issues of mothering and living an authentic, Christ-filled life. I am so excited that she made this video available to other moms. Turn the volume down on our playlist before starting the video. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and sit back and enjoy some time with a friend.

Lysa TerKeurst | The Most Important Two Word Prayer from Southbrook Church on Vimeo.

Just Desserts

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Ingredients:
1 box chocolate cake mix
3 eggs
1 cup milk
1 bag chocolate peanut butter cups

Directions:

Mix together eggs, milk and cake mix. Pour 2 tablespoons of batter into the paper liners and place a unwrapped peanut butter cup on top. Fill the paper tin to ¾ full and bake for 15-18 minutes until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Remove from oven and allow to cool on a wire rack. When completely cooled, frost.
Frosting Suggestions: Peanut Butter Frosting, Chocolate Buttercream Frosting.

Chocolate Buttercream

8 tablespooons (1 stick) butter, room temperature
3 ¾ cups powdered sugar, sifted
3-4 tablespoons milk or cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/3 cup cocoa

Place the butter in a large mixing bowl. Beat until light and fluffy, about 30 seconds. Stop the mixer before adding the cocoa and sugar or you will have a large mess to clean up. Add the sugar, cocoa, 3 tablespoons milk (cream) and vanilla extract. Beat frosting starting on slow speed and add up to 1 more tablespoon of milk (cream) if frosting to too thick.

What's For Dinner, Mommy?

Green Chile-Stuffed Chicken

Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinned chicken breast halves, pounded thin
3 oz. cream cheese
3/4 cups shredded cheese
4 oz. green chiles
1/2 tsp. chili powder
salt and pepper to taste
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 c hot enchilada sauce

Directions:
Combine cream cheese, shredded cheese, chiles, chili powder and salt and pepper. Place a generous dollop on each flattened chicken breast, then roll up. Place chicken rolls in the slow cooker, seam-side down. Top chicken breast rolls with remaining cheese mixture, soup, and enchilada sauce. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours.

Easy Homemade Granola

Ingredients:
2 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup slivered almonds
1/3 cup peanuts
1/3 cup cashews
1/3 cup craisins (or raisins)

Directions:
1. In coated (or paper lined) baking dish, pour oats and nuts. Drizzle with honey, sprinkle on cinnamon, salt, brown sugar and vanilla.
2. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes, stirring several times.
3. Remove from oven and let cool. Toss in craisins. Store in air tight container.

A Mom's Prayer

Treasure Boxes

Sometimes (more often than I care to admit) I feel very alone and out of sorts in my life. Sometimes it is because I am hanging on to some hurt or worse, some sin. It usually takes me a while. Pity parties and self-beating with the guilt rod do take some time. Until finally, I turn my heart and eyes back toward God and His unfathomable love for me despite my feelings. I go to my Heavenly Daddy because He alone can always provide the comfort, love and hope I need to move ahead. With God I am not alone or forgotten. He cares about my hurts. He is the only One who can really speak to me in a way that I can feel and understand.

When I finally turn to my Heavenly Daddy, I pull out a Treasure Box I created with little "treasures" to pull out and meditate on. The Treasure Box would also be a great gift of love to someone that you know who is hurting or going through some difficult times.
As you read the following verses, you will notice that they are not exact quotes from God's Word, but have been written in a conversational way that explains the promise found in the scriptural verse.
You can do your verse slips this way, or type the verse word for word from the Bible-whichever way you feel will help you feel closest to your Heavenly Daddy. Each time you see a (xxx), that is where you should insert your name, or the name of the person for whom you are making a treasure box.
Treasure Verses:
your name here), I carry your burdens every day. Psalm 68:19
You can know and depend on the love that I have for you, (xxx). 1 John 4:16
You can trust in My faithfulness, (xxx), because My Word is true. Psalm 33:4
If you enter in My rest, (xxx), you will find rest from all your striving. Hebrews 4:9-10
My Spirit will help you in your weakness, (xxx). Romans 8:26
You can rest in My love, (xxx), for I have power to save you. Zephaniah 3:17
I will meet your every need, (xxx), through My eternal riches in Jesus Christ. Philippians 4:19
I will be the voice behind you, (xxx), guiding you in the way you should go. Isaiah 30:21
(xxx), I will give you power to know the vastness of My immeasurable love. Ephesians 3:17-19
Trust in Me with all your heart, (xxx), and I will guide you. Proverbs 3:5-6
Come close to Me, (xxx), and I will come close to you. James 4:8
I prepared a kingdom inheritance for you, (xxx), when I created the world. Matthew 25:34
I am with you, (xxx), and I will help you because I am your God. Isaiah 41:10
My promise of life is for you and for your family, (xxx). Acts 2:39
Reach out and you will touch Me, for I am not far from you, (xxx). Acts 17:27
Commit all that you do to Me, (xxx) and your plans will be successful. Proverbs 16:3You can trust in Me, (xxx), for I am your strength and your song. Isaiah 12:2
I will never abandon you, (xxx). Hebrews 13:5
If you wait for Me, (xxx), I will work on your behalf. Isaiah 64:4
An eternal crown awaits you at the finish line, (xxx). 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
I am near to you whenever you cry out, (xxx). Deuteronomy 4:7
I will keep watch over you and guard you forever, (xxx). Psalm 12:7
My love will never fail you, (xxx). 1 Corinthians 13:8
Call on me, Tracie, when you are in trouble and I will rescue you. Psalm 91:15
There is no place you can go to escape My presence, (xxx). Psalm 13:7-10
When problems arise, (xxx), call to Me and I will answer you. Psalm 86:7
The good things I have planned for you, (xxx), are too many to count. Psalm 40:5
For you, (xxx), are honoroed in My eyes. I, your God, am your strength. Isaiah 49:5
I will protect and carry you, (xxx), all the days of your life. Isaiah 46:4
Though the mountains vanish, My unending love will never lear you, (xxx). Isaiah 54:10
Ask Me for wisdom, (xxx), and I will generously give it to you. James 1:5

Parenting Tips

When Giving Instructions, Consider the Timing

An important step in a good instruction routine is to consider timing. Parents who realize that a child needs an instruction must stop and think of the best way to present it. Ask yourself, "How can I communicate this problem to my child in the most effective way?" Pausing for just a moment, or in some cases, waiting a few hours, may prove to be the most productive way to deal with a situation.

For instance, it's tempting to greet Jenny when she arrives home from school, "Jenny, you didn't take out the trash this morning and your bedroom's a mess." This kind of ambush focuses more on the issue than on the relationship.


Instead, a dad might say to his daughter, "Hi Jenny, I'm glad you're home" and then engage Jenny in dialogue about her day for a few minutes. After relationship has been reestablished, he could then say, "After you put your books away and get a snack, would you please come and see me? I have a couple of things to talk to you about." In this way Dad is trying to be sensitive to the timing of his instructions.

Considering the timing is a small way of saying, "I love you" to a child even in the midst of the work of family life. You'll want to make different adjustments in this area depending on the age of your child. Young children need to learn obedience, so we may give less warning and expect a prompt response. Older children, and certainly teenagers, need more time to prepare themselves. Teens will need to adjust their own expectations or agendas. This takes some work for the teen and patience for the parent.

For more on how to build a good Instruction Routine with your children, consider the book, Good and Angry, Exchanging Frustration for Character in You and Your Kids, by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.

Boo-tiful Ideas

As the temperature drops and the fall festivities begin, we could all use some quick and easy treats!

Carmel Apple Cider
Mix hot water in a cup with an instant packet of apple cider mix. Add 1-2 tablespoons of carmel sauce (ice cream topping)to the cup. Top with whipped cream, if desired. Tastes like a yummy carmel apple!

So Easy Carmel Apples
Cut up an apple. (I like Granny Smiths, but use your favorite variety.) Drizzle some carmel apple dip sauce and top with mini chocolate chips and/or mini marshmallows. Serve with a fork. It is easy and the kids don't make quite the mess that a carmel apple on a stick would make.

Faux Pay Day Candy Treat
Candy corn is plentiful this time of year, but it is now available at many of the other holidays. That just means this treat can be enjoyed multiple times throughout the year. Simply mix a bag of candy corn and a jar of dry roasted peanuts. Grab a handful of the mixture and enjoy the taste reminisent of a Payday candy bar. Oh, yum!!

Train Up a Child

I Will Follow You Into the Dark

Helping kids know that God has their best interest in mind at all times and following after God and His call for their lives is important to teach and to live out each day in front of them. Take some time to talk with your kids about God's love and desire to guide them in life if they would trust Him.

Item needed: flashlight

Take your kids on a night hike. Bring a flashlight, but keep it hidden. Start out in the dark and after a short distance, turn on the flashlight.

Ask:
Which was easier--walking with or without the flashlight?
Of course, it was easier because we could see the path.

Read Proverbs 3:5-6 (Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.)

Tell them:
God knows you and He knows the future.

Join hands (while outside) and let each child tell God that they believe in Him and want to follow Him.

MOPS Hearts Chic-Fil-A

I have always loved me some Chic-Fil-A! Chic-Fil-A and I go way back to the first mall stores and eating there with my family as a girl. Then my best school teacher friend was once a CFA executive and we planned the most awesome field trip with our kids to CFA headquarters at Christmas time - what fun!!! Of course, what morning was complete without stopping at the Windy Hill exit CFA each morning for a BEC (Bacon, Egg and Cheese biscuit) and a Dr. Pepper from Rosie in the drive-thru. (I was a young 20 something then). Special datenights with now hubby (poor Georgia Tech student) were at the CFA in the Cumberland Mall.Such sweet memories! Now CFA is a mainstay in our week. We may be there as a family or with the MOPS moms about once a week. I always know that the kids will have fun and some good food but the staff is going to be so great. I heart me some Chic-Fil-A!!
Congratulations to our own Chic-Fil-A family, Curt and Tiffany Flournoy on the birth of their baby!! Blessings to you all! Be sure to turn the volume of our playlist down so you can hear this great little song by a dad who shares my sentiments about CFA!

Boo-tiful Ideas

Fall is a favorite season because it brings lots of wonderful holidays wrapped in sweet memories of my childhood, the crisp and snappy air, the handiwork of God and amazing blessings such as the births of my two sweet ones and the time to look forward to the world focusing on our Savior and Lord's birth - the greatest gift to mankind!
Fall is a fun time for football(Go Jackets!!), comfort food and fun traditions to carry on and start with my little ones. Here is a childhood tradition with lots of good memories that I look forward to each fall. What fall traditions does your family do each fall?

ROASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS
Ingredients
- One medium to large size pumpkin
-Salt
-Cooking oil or Olive oil

Instructions
1 Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut open the pumpkin, scoop out the insides with a spoon. Separate the seeds from the stringy core. Rinse the seeds.
2 Place seeds in a small sauce pan. For every 1/2 cup of seeds add in 2 cups of waters. Add a half tablespoon of salt for every cup of water. Bring to a boil. Let simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the stove and drain.
3 Spread about a tablespoon of cooking oil or olive oil on the bottom of a roasting pan/cookie sheet or jelly roll pan. Spread the seeds out over the pan, all in one layer. Bake on the top rack until the seeds begin to brown, 10-20 minutes. When browned , remove from the oven. Let the seeds cool all the way down before eating.

Parenting Tips

The Gratefulness Principle

Gratitude increases closeness in relationships. As you parent your children, look for opportunities to take advantage of gratefulness to draw closer to your kids. Give your children small gifts of love day after day. Be careful, though, that you don’t confuse the gratefulness principle with the overindulgence trap.

Some parents, wanting their children to like them, recognize giving gifts opens the heart, so they overdo it by giving them too many things. Giving to your kids must be tied into relationship, or the gifts feed selfishness instead of gratefulness.

Overindulgence is giving your children more than their character can handle. When children lack gratitude, then the more you give them, the less they appreciate. Parents must restrain themselves or they’ll exceed their children’s ability to manage the blessings.

Overindulged children rarely become grateful when you give them more things. They grow to be more demanding and selfish. Parents then feel unappreciated and become resentful. The hearts of both parents and children harden toward each other, and closeness becomes a thing of the past.

If your children become overindulged rather than grateful, then pull back on the area where you’re giving too much. Look for creative ways to give differently to your child. Teaching the heart gratefulness can be a challenge. Having a child say thank you is just behavior. Gratefulness comes from the heart.

Monitor your child’s response to gifts of love to determine if you’re growing gratitude or overindulgence. As gratefulness increases, you can slowly give blessings in a way that will produce more gratefulness. You’ll know if you’re moving too quickly by your child’s response.

This tip comes from the book, Parenting is Heart Work by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.

Train Up a Child

"But it's not fair!"
Sometimes life is not fair. Kids need to learn that early and at home. So this week discuss with your kids about justice. Man's justice is imperfect,but God's justice is perfect.

Play a game of "Hide and Seek" (or any game your family likes) with a twist--keep changing the rules. ("No, you only have to count to 4; No, you don't have to hide your eyes; who said you couldn't push people down instead of tagging them?")

After it's over (and you hear lots of "But, that's not fair!"), ask:
Why didn't you like me changing the rules?

Why are rules good? (They help us know what to do, they make it better for everyone, it's more fun, etc.)

God (who created the universe and is in charge of it) made some rules. They're called the Ten Commandments. They help us know what to do and tell us how to live and love God and others. These rules are just and fair and good.

What Should They Do?

Act out the following situations with your young children:

Jamie is at playgroup and Amy wants to play with one of Jamie's toys--what can she do?

Mom has to feed the baby--what can Emma do?

Sammy is tired of waiting in line at kindergarten and wants to be first to get his snack. What should he do?

Teach your young ones that sharing a toy, taking turns, and waiting in line (instead of always wanting to be first) reflects justice--fairness for all. We treat others with respect because God is just and fair (Deuteronomy 32:4).

What's For Dinner, Mommy?

Now that football season is well underway (Go Jackets!) and the holidays are fast approaching, we all need some crowd pleasing and very simple meal ideas. Here are a few that I think will fit the bill!

Easy Enchiladas
Saute a swirl of olive oil and ½ cup chopped yellow onion in skillet. Add 1 lb cooked and chopped chicken, ½ tsp cumin, 3 T cream cheese, and 2 cups of salsa and cook until smooth. Place mixture down the center of 6 flour tortillas. Roll and place in greased baking pan. Top with green taco sauce and shredded Mexican cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Pizza Roll Ups
Roll out Pillsbury pizza dough to a rectangle. Top with favorite toppings (mozzarella, pepperoni, spinach). Tightly roll like a long cylinder, keeping the filling inside. Tuck in ends. Coat with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Place cylinder, seam side down, on baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees for 12 – 14 minutes. Let rest. Slice on the diagonal and serve with pizza sauce on side.

Meatloaf Muffins
Mash 3 slices of torn bread, 2 eggs, ¾ cup milk. Add 2 lb ground meat, 2 T Worcestershire, 1 T minced garlic and ¼ cup chopped yellow onion. Spoon into greased muffin tins and bake for 25 – 30 min. at 400 degrees. Mix together equal parts brown sugar, yellow mustard, and ketchup, Top each muffin with tsp of sauce.

Easy Meatballs
Sprinkle 1 lb ground meat with Italian seasoning and add 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs, 1 egg. Mix and form into golf ball sized meatballs. Place in sauce pan with 1 jar of sauce. Let bubble and simmer for 1 – 1 ½ hours. Serve over pasta (or on sub rolls with provolone the next night).

Ritzy Cracker Chicken
Pound chicken and marinate in Italian dressing for at least a few hours. Combine equal parts crushed Ritz crackers with Parmesan cheese. Remove chicken from dressing and dredge in cracker mixture. Bake chicken on lightly greased cookie sheet for 20 – 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Just Desserts

Pumpkin Muffins
These pumpkin muffins are so moist and yummy and fall-festive. And they are so easy, too.

Ingredients:
1 box spice cake mix
1 15oz can pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
4 egg whites or 1/2 cup egg substitute
2 Tablespoons water
Allspice-add to taste.

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until creamy. Fill muffin cups. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-23 minutes.

What's For Dinner, Mommy?

Zippy Meatballs Over Rice

Ingredients
• 25 Meatballs, cooked and frozen
• 1 can cranberry sauce
• 1 jar salsa
• Rice
Preparation
1. Mix cranberry sauce and salsa with a wire whisk.
2. Pour sauce in a slow cooker and add frozen meatballs.
3. Cook on low 4-5 hours, or high 2-3 hours.
4. Spoon meatballs and sauce over rice.

Carpe Diem, Girls!

I looked at the calendar the other day and realized another year has practically flown right past me! One reason the years fly by is that we are so incredibly busy - busy with life, busy just to be busy, busy trying to survive this thing called Mothering. But what a blessing this life is and this thing called Mothering is! Why haven't I enjoyed this year more? Because I need to slow down and just dwell in the moment. Ann Kroeker's latest book: Not So Fast: Slow-Down Solutions has some great thoughts and ideas about this very thing. Here is a sampling of some ideas of things to do to enjoy the moment. Let me know what would you pick to do?

~ Stare at something beautiful. Stare for a long, long time
~ Go outside with your kids and a magnifying glass and look at things
~ Sketch something
~ Paint something
~ Write something
~ Look at some stars

A Mom's Prayer

My Psalm 23
The Lord is my Shepherd
You are my Identity
I shall not want
You are my Provision
He makes me lie down in green pastures
You are my Rest
He leads me beside the still waters
You are my Replenishment
He restores my soul
You are my Healing
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
You are my Guide
For His name's sake
You are my Purpose
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
You are my Strength
I will fear no evil
You are my Security
For You are with me
You are my Peace
Your rod and your staff they comfort me.
You are my Deliverer
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies
You are my Hope
You anoint my head with oil
You are my Blessing
My cup runs over
You are my Abundance
Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life
You are my Promise
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
You are my Future
Forever
You are my All in All
(Mary Southerland)

A Little Girl Talk

6 TIPS FOR SKIN CARE IN THE WINTER

1. SHAVE WITH CONDITIONER - Use hair conditioner to lather your legs when you shave and your legs with be incredibly smooth!
2. MOISTURE MORE - Find a moisturizer that's oil-based, rather than water-based. The the oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion. Hint: Many lotions labeled as "night creams" are oil-based.
3. SLATHER ON SUNSCREEN -Sunscreen isn't just for summertime. Winter sun -- combined with cold winds -- can still damage your skin.
4. GIVE YOUR HANDS A HAND - The skin on your hands is thinner than on most parts of the body and has fewer oil glands. That means it's harder to keep your hands moist, especially in cold, dry weather. This can lead to itchiness and cracking. Wear gloves when you go outside.
5. HOOK UP THE HUMIDIFIER -Humidifiers get more moisture in the air, which helps prevent your skin from drying out. Place several small humidifiers throughout your house.
6. GREASE UP YOUR FEET -Try finding lotions that contain petroleum jelly or glycerine. Cover your feet, wrap them in plastic wrap, then put on a pair of socks and sit for 30 min and let it soak in.

Just Desserts

PUMPKIN CRISP
1 15oz can pumpkin
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup sugar
1.5 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 (18.25) pkg yellow cake mix
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 cup butter (melted)

Stir first five ingredients and pour into greased 9x13 dish. Sprinkle cake mix/pecans on top. Drizzle butter. Bake at 350 for 60 minutes or until golden. Serve with whipped cream.

What's For Dinner, Mommy?

Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie

Ingredients: (for 2 - 9 inch round pies)

prepared pie crust and top (can use store bought, or use included pie crust recipe)
4 breasts boneless, skinless chicken, cooked and diced
12 oz sour cream
3 cups mixed frozen vegetables
2 cups frozen hash browns
2 cups Parmesan cheese
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk

Directions:

1. Place pie crusts in coated pie plates. Place diced chicken in 2 pie shells, half in each.
2. Place 1 1/2 cups veggies, 1 cup hash browns on top of chicken in each pie.
3. In separate mixing bowl, stir together sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and cream soup, and milk. Pour 1/2 of mixture into each pie plate.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each pie. Cover with top pie crust and seal at the edges. Brush pie crust with egg, and slice a few slits in for venting.
5. Bake at 375 for about one hour until crust is golden.

Homemade Pie Crust:

For each pie-

1 cup butter flavored Crisco
2-3 cups flour
water

Directions:

1. Stir together Crisco and flour until it is crumbly. Add additional flour if needed to get crumbly texture.
2. Add 2 tsp of water, and mix until it is well blended and does not stick to the side of the bowl.
3. Roll out half or push down onto bottom of pie plate. Roll out top, and place on top for top crust.

Parenting Tips

Five Causes of Anger

Some parents have a hard time analyzing their anger to get anything positive out of it. A helpful way to uncover what’s behind your anger is to recognize anger’s five basic causes. These five causes overlap at points and you may find that the situation you’re experiencing fits more than one, but this list is often helpful to bring some rationale to feelings. Use these causes to guide your self-reflection when you start to feel angry and then move into a more healthy response.

1. Physical Pain - When a child hits you or you step on a sharp toy, your anger may, in part, be fueled by the physical pain you experience.

2. Blocked Goals - Trying to leave the house by 7:35 am and turning to see that your three-year-old took her shoes off again can lead to anger.

3. Violated Rights - When her five-year-old is knocking on the bathroom door, a mom may feel angry and think, “I have the right to go to the bathroom in peace.” A dad may believe that he has a right to come home and have a few minutes to relax in quiet before taking on family problems

4. Unfairness - When a mom sees a big brother picking on his sister, or a younger child harassing an older one, she may get angry because of the obvious unfairness of the situation. A dad may feel it’s unfair that he has to help bathe the kids after putting in a hard day’s work.

5. Unmet Expectations - A mom might say, “I expected to arrive home from work to cook dinner, but instead I come home to this mess!” Unmet expectations seem to go along with the job of parenting but often result in angry feelings.

Discovering what is causing your angry feelings will often help you see where your child needs to grow or change, giving you more insight into how to discipline most effectively. Understanding the five causes of anger can help you as you relate to your family.


Each time you feel angry, stop for a minute and try to identify which of these is the cause. Putting a label on your feelings may help you redirect some of that energy to a more productive response. You may begin to see patterns in yourself and identify one particular cause that is more common for you. This observation can help you know how to adjust your reaction.


This tip was taken from the book, Good and Angry, Exchanging Frustration for Character in You and Your Kids, by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.

Train Up a Child

Prayer
This week take time to talk with your children about prayer. Jesus set the example of praying for others. Many of us take time to pray at meals and perhaps before bed. Teaching children to pray in all circumstances such as when they are scared, apprehensive and when they are overjoyed about going on a special outing or a treat is important also. Children pray about their belongings and family members in the household. It is important to begin teaching them to pray for others they may not know or don't know very well and especially those that don't yet follow Christ as their Savior.
Make a prayer book. Collect pictures from relatives and friends and put these in a book (photo album or small scrapbook works great). As you pray at bedtime, teach your children to include a prayer for those not yet following Jesus.

Pray:
• that they would know how much God loves them
• that they would understand the truth about Jesus
• that they would obey Christ and become a child of God.

A Mom's Prayer

I know that God is preparing me for what I will need throughout this day. He is already standing in every minute of my day and He sees what I will face. So, He's equipping me to be able to handle what is ahead of me with His gentle boldness, quiet strength, and loving grace.

In Psalm 81:10b, God instructs me, "Open wide your mouth and I will fill it." He will give me what to say today. What to say in happy moments. What to say in aggravating moments. What to say in moments where I feel insecure and what to say when I feel completely confident. What to say in disappointing moments. What to say in response to questions.

He also reminds me that sometimes it is good to keep my mouth closed and say nothing at all.

All the words that rumble about in my brain and those that will proceed out of my mouth, Lord, You be the author of those.

Psalm 84:1 reminds me that God's dwelling place is lovely. So, I ask God to dwell in me richly. I want Him to be what radiates about me. I want Him to be my pretty today.
Not my hair. Not my outfit. Not my efforts. But simply Him and His spirit dancing invisibly about me... shifting a wrong attitude, guarding my words, and whispering constant truths into my heart. Psalm 86:11 is what I ask the Lord to give me. "Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart..."

Lord, may nothing separate me from You today. Teach me how to choose only Your way today so each step will lead me closer to You. Help me walk by the truth and not my feelings.

Help me to keep my heart pure and undivided. Protect me from my own careless thoughts, words and actions. And keep me from being distracted by MY wants, MY desires, MY thoughts on how things should be.

Help me to embrace what comes my way as an opportunity...rather than a personal inconvenience.

And finally, help me to rest in the truth of Psalm 86:13a, "Great is your love toward me."

You already see all the many ways I will surely fall short and mess up. But right now, I consciously tuck Your whisper of absolute love for me into the deepest part of my heart. I recognize Your love for me is not based on my performance. You love me warts and all.

source: Lysa TerKeurst www.proverbs31.com