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.