How to Make a Valentine’s Box Vending Machine.

February 11, 2019 · by · 6 Comments

Creativity is intelligence…having fun. – Albert Einstein

“Mama, we need to make my Valentine’s Day box for school this weekend. I know what I want to make…a vending machine!”

My little one showed me a variety of pictures she photo snapped on her tablet. Her very intelligent brain is always mustering up something creative and artistic. She amazes me.

If you’re a mom who is in a panic wondering what to create with your kiddo this Valentine’s day. Fear not. This project is super fun and pretty adorable, if you ask me.

As I was putting away the ice-cream maker, I realized the box was actually the perfect size for her project and set it aside.

A perfect size …and we had it on hand.

After I finished eating my left-over chicken quesadilla from a Mexican restaurant we had dinner at on Thursday night, it dawned on me that the container could be cleaned out, cut in half, and taped. This could give a little window for her vending machine.

We just used the top half of this. We traced it onto the box and cut the shape with a serrated knife, then taped it from the inside of the box.

Then, we went on a hunt for what we wanted to “sell” in her vending machine.

There was a large bag of snack sized chips in the cupboard, which had a picture of the chips on the bag. We cut the little picture out and hot glued it to the styrofoam. Then we glued mini valentine chocolate candy bars and a “healthy choice” of a mini box of raisins.

We folded pink construction paper in half and made little hearts (A1, A2, A3, etc.) Then, we taped plastic wrap over top to create a “window” appearance.

Next, we wrapped the box with foil and secured it with tape. Then we made buttons on the right hand side, a place to put in dollars, a place for a coin return, and an opening for the items to dispense.

We cut an area out on the top of the box for her valentines and put her name on the front.

She did most of the work! I encourage parents to assist, but allow children to do their own projects. It’s a time to build confidence, foster creativity, and have fun. They are good enough (hand over heart).

“Mama lova you, Juju.”

“This is the box I dreamed of.” – Julia
(Mission complete, haha).

Happy Valentine’s Day! Love to you, Janelle

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Filed Under: Kiddos, Seasonal, Uncategorized ·

As White as Snow.

January 22, 2019 · by · 4 Comments

I’m sitting here, Indian style, at my dinning room table …

Looking out the window, I see the most beautiful picture of God’s grace. Two feet of snow landed in our neck of the woods over the weekend. Churches were closed on Sunday and schools were closed today along with practices. I had only two clients this morning because of the school closings and I left early for the day. There’s an acceptable quiet nature amidst the mad flurry outside.

It’s stunning.

Glistening.

Breathtaking.

All of the weeds I failed to pick, the cracks in the driveway I haven’t fixed, and the toys in the backyard the kids forgot to put away.

It’s all covered in a clean, white, beautiful blanket of snow.

As I let our playful Labradoodle outside, I am taken away by the magnitude of the bright white covering the entire neighborhood and into the distance.

The sameness and goodness of it all.

Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD.
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
-Isaiah 1:18

“Let us settle the matter”, He says… I just love Him.



She shared with me all of her mess. The many ways she self- sabotaged, the people she hurt and how shameful she felt…

God used this moment of truth to give her truth.

“When God looks at you He sees you clothed in white. He sees His perfect Son.”

She looked at me in confusion…

“But, I did ____ … and ____ …and I am still struggling with ____.

“I know. Grace doesn’t make any sense does it? It’s injustice and charity at its finest.”

She nodded.

God wants us to be obedient because He loves us and doesn’t want us to go through this life wasting away time getting ourselves in and out of trouble.

He wants to save us pain. He wants us to bear fruit.

His word is not meant to exclude us, it’s meant to protect and save us.

There is absolutely nothing that can separate you from the love of God that comes through Jesus. (Romans 8:39) There is also no condemnation through Christ. (Romans 8:1) NONE. No matter what you do, how hard to fall, or what you think or say. That part is certain. We are saved through faith alone. (Ephesians 2:8)

That’s why grace is so amazing.

We might read this and feel grace is unfair.

You mean to tell me a thief on a cross, a murderer, an adulteress, and a woman with 5 husbands could be saved by grace?

Yep.

If justice is what we want…it comes in the form of a humble living God who died for all of our sins, so that we could have it. He decided He’d just take care of all of it right then and there. It’s finished. If we are saved and trying to get justice here on earth, we are mistaken to what that looks like…

Thank you, God, because we’d all be in for it if this wasn’t the truth.

Not one of us is righteous in our own efforts. Notta one. Not me, not you, not anyone. We are all on even playing field. (Romans 3:10)

Friends, I write this to give you truth, hope and God’s peace. Whatever is on your mind, whatever you are struggling with, or however you view yourselves, please be reminded you are clothed in white in God’s eyes because of his grace and effort on the cross.

There isn’t a thing you did or can do to stain what you’re wearing. You’re His. You’re beautiful. You’re made for something more. Go live in His peace and allow His love to work through you to others.

Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance[a]: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raisedon the third day according to the Scriptures, 

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (The Gospel of Jesus)

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Filed Under: Devotionals, Finding Comfort ·

Vinny’s Sicilian Meatballs

January 21, 2019 · by · 10 Comments



Today, I have two special men guest posting. My brother-in-law Joe and my father-in-law Vince who both happen to be “comfy in the kitchen”. One of their family favorite recipes is “Vinny’s Sicilian Meatballs”. Vince passed his version of the recipe (which includes a *secret ingredient) down in the family. He and Joe make these often for family gatherings – we all look forward to them and are they ever delicious.

And like all family recipes, this ones come with a story…

Vince, making meatballs on Sunday morning.
(I was sitting at the breakfast bar, anxiously awaiting my turn to taste test and had to snap this photo. An example of love pouring out in the kitchen.)


Here is what Joe has to say…

My dad is first generation American. Both of his parents “came over on the boat” from Sicily. I grew up loving his cooking: Eggplant, Chicken Parmesan, Pasta, and Meatballs.

Especially the meatballs.

On Sundays, dad would begin his sauce early in the morning. After it started to simmer, he would begin to make the meatballs.

My friends all knew the Sunday routine … they loved his meatballs just as much as I did. They even planned sleepovers on Saturdays just so they could wake up on Sunday morning to an atypical, yet delicious feast of dad’s meatballs for breakfast. The savory aroma would wake us up and still half asleep we’d meander downstairs to pick them hot out of the frying pan. We’d have to toss them back and forth from one hand to the other so not to scald our hands because they were so hot.

Whatever we didn’t devour, dad placed in his sauce for us to eat for dinner that night. We all loved Sundays and looked forward to this act of love and service our dad did for us.

Now, Dad and I both enjoy and take turns making meatballs for the family.

Matt, Vince, and Joe
Grant, Joe, Sarah (my sister-in-law) and my mom

Eating together at ” the aunts’ ” We all brought an Italian dish. Joe brought the meatballs. Grant, my son, ate about 6 and they were huge!
Joe and Grant have a tentative date to teach Grant how to make these now.

Another funny story that goes along with this recipe is that there’s a *secret ingredient* – These twin brothers can be known to hassle their sweet dad, by the way. He’s a great sport. 

The question is often asked, “Did you remember the secret ingredient?”

“Sicilian A-1 Sauce”
Joe displaying the *secret ingredient*

We hope this might have sparked familiar memories you had growing up and gave you a smile. We also hope you enjoy this family recipe, and will make your own memories on Sundays!

Vinny’s Sicilian Meatballs

A family favorite, passed down from generation to generation… with an added secret ingredient. 
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb 80 % Lean Ground Chuck
  • 1 Tbsp A-1 Steak Sauce *The Secret Ingredient
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1/2 Cup Seasoned Bread Crumbs
  • 1 tsp Basil
  • 1 Tbsp Parsley
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 cup Grated Cheese

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands, yes it gets a little messy and boy, is it cold.
  • Heat olive oil in a pan on medium/high heat.
  • Take about 1/4 cup of meat (however large you want the meatballs to be) and roll them in a ball.
  • Brown on the stove until done and place in sauce to simmer.
  • Another option is to brown on stove, then place in a 350 oven for approximately 15 mins or until cooked through (depending on the size of your meatballs). 

A huge “thank you” to Vince and Joe for sharing their recipe, story, and family meal ministry with all of us!

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Filed Under: Appetizers, Cooking For A Crowd, Entrees, Uncategorized ·

3 Perspectives On Change.

January 20, 2019 · by · 2 Comments




There are only a few certainties in life, but one thing is for sure…change is gonna come. Depending on our history, the types of changes we encounter, and our perspective, we can determine what we make of change.

Here are three perspectives on change…

1. For some, change is frightening, uncomfortable, and something to avoid.

Change means bad.

Perhaps an unexpected event happened and life as she thought she knew of it, was all of a sudden not so. This association with change can stick in our mental weaving if we allow it.

Perhaps he had to move all the time as a child… his home went into foreclosure each time dad lost a job. Moving equals scary now.

Or, he got let go from a job and now any change to employment triggers anxiety. Change means he isn’t good enough.

Maybe she found out she’s pregnant and although she’s overjoyed at the thought of this, shadow memories of a miscarriage remind her of her bodily changes and it’s painful beyond description. Pregnancy changes equal anguish.

“Please, lord …no more change, she says here. It’s just not what I need or want …”

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

– 2 Timothy 1:7

2. Some accept change because they know it’s inevitable and it gives them opportunities to grow.

It’s neither good nor bad- it just is what it is. There’s a healthy normalization assigned to the experience.

Change means what it means and it’s acceptable.

This is when she gets married and her heart breaks and rejoices at the same time. She leaves the comfort of her family of origin and onto the new life ahead.

He graduates college and misses “his people”, but he lands a job he worked hard to get.

She has a baby and life changes dramatically – little sleep, new worries, but oh, how precious. She can’t imagine life without her bundle of joy.

This is rational and good. Come what may. I’ve got this. God’s got my back. Bring it.

Bitter sweetness.

In a perfect world. We’d live here. There’s a healthy give and takeaway. 

“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

– Ecclesiastes 3:1


3. Others beg for change. This is where daily life is physically and emotionally painful. This is when living in each second gets us through to the next.

These are my people. This is my tribe.

I’ve had all three perspectives, but I can identify the most right here. And Lord, don’t you let me forget it.

Change is a beggar’s prayer.

Friends, I get it…

Words can say, “it won’t always be this way.” But it feels like there’s no way out.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

-1 Cor 10:13

Someone whispers to her (with a concerned look) the old faithful, “ This too shall pass.” She rolls her eyes and thinks of the sheer length, magnitude, and muddy perspective of her trials. “God doesn’t see me and neither does anyone else.” She might say to herself. She might even get angry and find her own way to cope. Her pain seemingly costs more. One moment of “happiness” to escape the feeling of emptiness and pain is what she might barter. She’s human, isn’t she…

This is where cruelty of life can linger.

Where parents see their children suffering of illnesses in longevity with little hope of earthly healing.

Where a husband watches his young wife die of cancer when he imagined he’d be sitting with his arm around her in the church pew on a Sunday morning.

Where a child is sexually abused by a relative and she cannot comprehend why this is happening and why no one is stopping it.

This pain exists, friends. If we haven’t been through it, praise God. But we need to know it exists. We don’t have to go far to find someone in this kind of pain…

This is where we beg and plead for God to make a change.

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

-Psalm 34:18


Change. It’s circumstantial and different for all of us. But, it will come.

And out of the few certainties we have in life, one is particularly worth highlighting. Jesus doesn’t change.

I know it can feel like a kick in the gut to read this. How cliche of a Christian to throw that out there, right?

Once we put our faith and trust in the gospel of Jesus Christ, we are saved and sealed. NOTHING can change that.

His perspective on change is something we cannot even grasp because He sees into eternity. He knows the truth about where we our saved souls will be! But, He also cares for what we are going through in the present and realizes our limitations to fully comprehend what He does.

Don’t loose hope, Dear One. You will get through this and it will be through the recourse of change. Come what may, let God be your anchor and stability through it all.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.”

-Hebrews 13:8

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil.”

– Hebrews 6:19
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Filed Under: Finding Comfort, Uncategorized ·

Hot Coats.

January 18, 2019 · by · 2 Comments

She is clothed in strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future.
-Proverbs 31:25

“Ok Kiddos! Hot coats! Get your hot coats here!”

I’d yell as if I were selling hot cross buns…

I marketed them with joyful enthusiasm. They’d run to the laundry room door where I stood with an invitation to both arm sleeves.

“Ahhhh…”

With a deep inhale of fresh laundry sheet scent and familiar warmth from the drier, they would hop in the van and off to school we went, all smiles.

Getting out door for elementary school with three little ones in the frigid Ohio winter was always a chore. I found out one day, just after I was legitimately getting their coats from the drier, the promise of being clothed in warmth was a motivator.

“Hmm…that was easy, I’ll remember this tactic.”

So, that’s what we did. Illegitimately. Each morning.

Winter coats went in the drier at breakfast and when it was go time, it was off to the laundry room.

Forbid I ever missed a day of hot coats…I’d have 6 angry eyes looking at me as if I strategically planned a strike.

“Oh, for cryin in the mud, you guys are spoiled. Let’s just do this, come on pouty faces, in the van you go.”

I’d talk to myself and shake my head. “Hot coats, I didn’t have hot coats as a kid.” Then I’d smile, “Whatever makes them know I’m thinking of them and whatever works.”

It gave them something to look forward to in order to face the cold uncomfort. In a way, it made them feel safe. It was small, but big. Oh, do I love that memory.

All too often God speaks in the every day. This reminded me of how I feel when I read his word before I go out into the cold. When I’m anxious, unsteady, and afraid…I know I can clothe myself in scripture and feel safe and warm in his loving arms. When I leave without it, I can tell a difference. Sure, it takes a few extra moments and slight planning, but it makes the day begin better than it would have without it…

It’s a reminder that God thinks of me in big things and the little things…

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Filed Under: Finding Comfort ·

{Easy} Baked Broccoli Balls

December 31, 2018 · by · Leave a Comment


The first time I tasted these delicious morsels of goodness was last year at a family Christmas Eve Party. The second my Sister-in-Law’s mom set these on the counter, I could tell by everyone’s reactions that this was on of “those recipes” that show up expected every year. By the taste of them, I understood why…

They were piping hot, full of flavor, and of buttery excellence.


Chip and Di – An amazing couple who truly loves and enjoys their family. I’ve had a “ball” getting to know them (I’m so punny).

Thank you for this recipe, Di!
When I asked Di for her recipe, she immediately texted me this on my phone…I’m guessing she gets asked for it every time she brings these to a gathering. They really are that good.

These would be a hit anytime of year, but I thought to post before New Year’s Eve and Day for those looking for something different to make for an appetizer. They will be a hit …and you might just have to make them every year too!

Enjoy!

{Easy} Baked Broccoli Balls
Author: Janelle Paris
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 8
Ingredients
  • 1 package frozen chopped broccoli (cooked and well drained)
  • 3/4 cup melted margarine (or butter)
  • 1 medium chopped onion
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic salt
  • 3 cups Pepperidge Farm Herb Dressing (the stuffing mix in a bag)
  • 6 beaten eggs
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
  1. Mix all the above in a large bowl by hand.
  2. Form into small balls and place on a cookie sheet.
  3. Chill overnight (or at least 4-6 hours)
  4. Bake at 325 for 20-25 mins. Enjoy!

 

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Filed Under: Appetizers, Cooking For A Crowd, Uncategorized ·

When Christmas Just Isn’t the Same…

December 23, 2018 · by · 6 Comments


For many of us the Christmas season means tradition. There is a reliable and familiar beauty when we do the same thing every year…a sort of idealized nostalgia happens.

It could be taking a day to bake Christmas cookies with the ladies and little ones, hosting the annual white elephant party, volunteering at the local shelter, opening up family pajamas Christmas Eve night, or waking up to homemade cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning. These things we do can bring us great comfort and joy. We look forward to them and they can be oh, so good… You know I promote this kind of thing.

However, just like the seasons change… our children grow, people move away, relationships fracture, expectations aren’t met, a loved one dies, and our hearts can break. It’s during these moments that absence can be the biggest presence. Our focus can be on what has changed, rather than what has stayed the same… and sometimes these good things (and even people), can become idols. Oh, can I say ouch. 

What do we do in times like these?

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace and not be ceremonial foods, which are of no value to those devoted to them. -Hebrews 13:8-9

We must come to the radical acceptance that change will occur here on earth. We must also wrap up in a blanket of grace knowing that Jesus will always be the same. Our hearts are to be strengthened by Him, not by any of our traditions. Please hear me that I love traditions, but if our strength is centered in them, we will likely stumble and be sorely disappointed a time or two in life.

Acceptance.

Isn’t that a good word? This literally gives us permission to let go of some things, doesn’t it? It’s in this word we can find joy and a break away from denial and wishful thinking.

Exhale…

When I read the passage above, it gives me peace because I have not baked a single Christmas cookie this year. I’m so serious. Don’t shame me (I’m smiling). That ceremonial food was giving me a false guilt that I wasn’t meant to carry. In reality, this year it would have caused me more stress than joy …it’s happenstance where I am in my juggle of life as a wife, therapist and mom. But, with an extended family full of cooks and bakers, I knew in my left brain there would be plenty of cookies at events. So, the time I would normally take with my girls to do this, we wrapped presents together.

Did my right brain beat me up?

Yep.

“This isn’t who you are, Janelle.”

Says who? Says everyone else or says you?

“Ahhhh, faghetta ’bout it.  Jesus isn’t moved by me not making cookies this year.”

Then I gave acceptance a side armed hug and we purchased Pillsbury cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning.

This is a small potatoes example to change in my life and I am certain in many of yours…I’ve had good change and not so good change, but amidst it all I needed grace to keep me moving.

Grace…uncanny forgiveness. For the things, people, gifts, invitations or cards that didn’t come our way this year. For the unmet expectations, hurts, or uncertainties. With grace we can and will get through all of this and experience joy admidst it all because we are strengthed by someone who is our constant.

I pray this reaches those who need it most this holiday season.

He’s got this… you are still His and always will be. Change will happen, it’s promised. But there are things amidst change that do stay the same. He is one of them.

Let us accept the things we cannot change and do the best we can with the things we can. And for crying in the mud, please bring on the self-depreciating sense of humor we need when we don’t meet our own silly expectations. Our imperfections make Him stand out even more…

Today, I am encouraging you to celebrate each Christmas in itself by making it it’s very own each year. There is beauty in this as well as we remember why (and Who) we are celebrating.

Love, love, love going out to you!

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Filed Under: Finding Comfort, Uncategorized ·

5 Ways We Can Raise Resilient Children

December 7, 2018 · by · Leave a Comment

“I just don’t want her to grow up co-dependent like I was. I always had a boyfriend as a teen and it was exhausting. I really hope to help foster a healthy independence and confidence in her.”

“I feel like I’m an enabler with my children…I want to give them what I didn’t have as a child. But, at the same time I don’t want them to see the world with rose colored glasses, only to realize it’s a lot tougher out there in adult life.”

“I’m a helicopter mom. I must have control. Nothing bad is going to happen to my children on my watch. If something bad does happen, I’ll be there to do the fixing. I’ve got this. Kids, step aside.”

“Discipline. It’s all about effective discipline. These kids need to feel pain when they make mistakes.”

Do any of these musings sound familiar to you?

I get asked a lot as a therapist, “What is the secret on how to raise children who can get through life’s difficulties?”

Resilience.

It’s the term used to tell how well an individual can get through hard times.

It’s vital.

When we speak to our parenting… the phrase, “when I was a child…” is often casually shared. Why do you think this is?

Possibly because childhood is the most crucial time of our lives regarding brain development. The way we were treated in childhood matters and can affect us the rest of our lives. Every single happening or relationship we live through is stored in our subconscious.

Parenthood is a trigger to our own childhood. Good, bad or indifferent. We can choose to keep some of the practices of our parents, or develop our own.

In my own journey throughout motherhood I have taken many different stances in hopes to find out just the right recipe to raise a resilient child. Sometimes it was the book I was reading, or the friends I would be around, or the church or bible study I would attend that would align my focus. There have also been obvious hurdles, life changes if you will, that have thrown wrenches in my plan to be the best mom I could be. But great practice in the way of building resilience.

“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.”
-Ecclesiastes 1:9

So, as I sat and pondered these thoughts, I realized that there actually is somewhat of a recipe on how to raise resilient children across the board…no matter what the circumstance. Here is my compilation backed by research. Please keep in mind there are many other factors to parenting and to this topic. These are simply my top 5 in developing resilience:

  1. Unconditional Love (Faith).Love will take your children further than anything else in life. If I had to stop somewhere in this post. This would be it. It’s effects are immeasurable.During the formative years while a child’s brain is developing, bonding and attachment are crucial. Love, connection, and affirmation help the brain to develop healthy pathways for healthy relationships and for emotional and cognitive functioning. Children need unconditional love because they are learning. Many mistakes children make are due to the natural effect of childhood ignorance. They need to feel accepted regardless of their achievements. They also need to know that they are loved no matter what choices they make.The bible (which is the best book on cognitive behavioral therapy I know of) emphasizes love. When Jesus laid is life down for us because of our sins, He created the perfect pathway to an unconditional loving relational existence. I truly believe that is why we see such a huge change in ourselves and in individuals who become saved. It was and is His supernatural love and grace. I’m convinced.Friends, it is very important to ask our children that good old phrase, “What would Jesus do?”, rather than, “What would Jesus think!” Just like grace changed everything…One word differentiates developing Christ-like character between nonexistent condemnation and works for love. This will be a huge factor in the way our children take (or leave) their faith into adulthood. It will also be a huge determinant in establishing resilience for life.“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
    -1 Corinthians 13:13If you are going to fault in parenting, fault in loving too much. 

    2. The Village.

    God, immediate family, extended family, neighbors, friends, the church, pastors, counselors, teachers, coaches, and anyone else in between wiling to be an encouragement to your child matters. Social support is so valuable to our self-esteem, resilience, and motivation. Human existence is relational for a reason…we were never meant to do life alone. Feeling supported makes a world of difference. Research supports that if we have just one meal together a day as a family (it doesn’t matter which meal or if every family member is there), we build resilience in our children.

    “ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” Luke 10:27

    A dear friend had an amazing idea when her daughters turned 16. She invited all the women who were a part of their childhood to a luncheon. These women shared stories of watching them grow, gave wisdom, encouragement, and made a pledge to always be there for them as they continued into adult life. Just typing this has me in tears. If those women gathered around a child isn’t a beautiful image… just wow.

    If you can think of “that person” in your childhood that truly rejoiced your existence, you were the benefactor of such sacrificial love. On a side note, to be an adult like this in the life of a child is a huge honor – you will be savored and remembered for a lifetime.

    3. Help Them Find “Their Thing”.

    When a child feels accomplished in doing something they enjoy it builds them up and gives them purpose. It also helps them find their village and sheds light on their identity. This could be a sport, an art, a musical instrument, etc. God gifts us all differently…what a blessing it is to see his masterpieces at work.

    I’ll never forget the change that occurred when my Gabby found “her thing” in volleyball. Excuse the pun, but it was a game changer. Her confidence soared, her mood lifted, she came out of her shell and made many friends and continues to do so. I strongly encourage any parent to help their child navigate what they would enjoy and feel good at doing.

  2. Take thoughts (and Feelings) Captive. Feelings can take us on a joyride or not so joyous ride. We simply cannot trust them. God’s word and turning on our left brain (just the facts ma’am) help give us the big picture. If something is bothering our child, we need to ask them for the evidence that supports how they are feeling to train them how not to go down the rabbit trail of endless worry.When tough times come about, our feelings can exasperate the situation, causing more unneeded stress. If we can help hone in the feelings that need validated and weed out the ones that are untrustworthy, we are fostering resilience in our children.“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
    -2 Corinthians 10:5Now, if we can only do this for ourselves, right? The struggle is very real, my friends. Hand. Is. Raised.An example would be:Child: “I feel like everyone hates me!” Mom: “That must feel awful, what is the evidence that everyone hates you?” Child: “Sydney didn’t sit by me at lunch!” Mom: “Who did sit by you at lunch?” Child: “Sarah and Taryn.” Mom: “Hmm…do you feel they hate you?” Child: “No.” Mom: “Well, what does that tell you about your feeling that everyone hates you?” Child: “I guess not everyone hates me…but Sydney must.” Mom: “Why do you think Sydney didn’t sit at your table today?” Child: “She was upset I invited Taryn to sit with us.” Mom: “Ahhh…so I wonder if Sydney was jealous and didn’t know what to do with that feeling so she sat somewhere else?”You get the jest.5. Laughter.

    Ahhh, Hi there friend. You’ve seen me through a lot. Please hang out with my children for the rest of their lives.

    There is so much healing in this universal language. It can lift us up unlike anything else. It fosters a positive attitude, a good sense of humor, and is contagious.

    The gift of laughter.

    “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” -Proverbs 31:25

    If you can teach your children to look for the humor in life, that light will follow them through life’s valleys and seriously dark places. Laughter is a free means of an escape into candid mindfulness. It reminds us that things won’t stay bad forever. Am I saying to laugh when we are in the pit? Absolutely. Laughter has followed me into the hospice room, delivery room, and in sessions with clients. It’s not the crazy kind of laughter you might be scratching your head about.., it’s the laughter that says, we have no other place to go than up so we might as well laugh our way out of here…

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Filed Under: Finding Comfort, Uncategorized ·

Homemade Peppermint Ice Cream

November 29, 2018 · by · 4 Comments



This homemade peppermint ice cream is incredibly simple to make, yet delicious beyond belief. At first taste it has a refreshing snowlike consistency, then it melts into a creamy aftertaste/texture. My kiddos fought over the container, feasting on it by the spoonful…until I told them to get a bowl and act civilized.

Then, I did what every mom would do and hid in the kitchen to taste test out of the container. I was caught by my middlest. “Gabby, you hush…when you’re an adult the calories don’t count when you’re taste testing. If I got a bowl, it would be a different story for me.” (You know what I mean, don’t you judge, lol.)

We were over at our little cousin’s birthday party a few weekends ago. While my cousin was cutting the cake, I noticed an ice-cream maker in the kitchen sink. “It was a gift to ourselves. We love ice-cream and it makes a difference when it’s homemade.. My daughter Julia saw it and exclaimed, “Mamakins! Can I have one of these for my birthday?” My cousin served us our cake and scooped out her homemade ice-cream from the churner. I was sold. It really was an added touch.

I love homemade and added touches.

Juju got her wish on her birthday. Then, asked me daily when we were going to finally make this ice-cream.I can only imagine how much the suspense built in her until last night when we finally took the plunge. It was super simple and fun to make together.


Start out with heavy whipping cream, coconut milk (you can use whole milk as well), sugar, salt, and peppermint extract.


Pour everything into a mixing bowl.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Mix on low speed until all ingredients are incorporated. This doesn’t take long.

 

Pour into the ice-cream maker and turn on for approximately 25 minutes. Place container in freezer overnight.

Serve with crushed peppermints. Ahhh…so refreshing.

Homemade Peppermint Ice Cream
Author: Janelle Paris
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 10
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Coconut Milk (or whole milk)
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 Tablespoon peppermint extract (you can add just vanilla or another flavor of your liking).
Instructions
  1. In a medium mixing bowl add all ingredients and mix with a handheld mixer on low until ingredients are combined.
  2. Pour into ice-cream maker and turn on for approximately 25 minutes.
  3. Put container into freezer overnight.
  4. Serve with crushed candy canes.

 

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EASY Apple Dumplings

February 19, 2018 · by · 6 Comments

One of my favorite recipes of all times. You would never believe the secret ingredient …once you try this recipe, it will be your “go to” for quick and easy desserts. I love, love, love these. Serve them warm and a la mode. Trust me, you’ll be asked for the recipe over and over. Enjoy…


Peel, core and slice 3 Granny Smith apples (that is all you will need, honest).

Place one slice of apple onto one triangle of crescent roll. Start at the wide bottom side and roll up a bit, tuck in sides , then continue rolling.

Place in a buttered 9×13 pan

In a medium sauce pan add 1 cup butter, 1/2 cup white sugar, 1 cup brown sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla. Heat on medium high heat until boiling.

Pour sauce over apple dumpling then add Mountain Dew to the sides.

Sprinkle cinnamon on top. Bake uncovered in a 350 oven for appx 35 mins.

Here they are fresh and piping hot out of the oven. Serve with vanilla ice cream. This recipe makes a GREAT conversation piece…ask everyone to guess the *secret ingredient…they never will, hehe.

EASY Apple Dumplings
Prep time: 20 mins
Cook time: 35 mins
Total time: 55 mins
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • 3 large Granny Smith Apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 2 (10 oz) cans pillsbury refrigerated crescent rolls (I used Grands)
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tsp cinnamon (for spinkling)
  • 1 (12 oz ) can of Mountain Dew
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350
  2. Butter a 9×13 dish and set aside
  3. Peel, core and slice apples
  4. Unroll crescent rolls
  5. Take one crescent roll and place one piece of apple at the bottom of the triangle- roll up enclosing the sides. Make sure the apple is completely sealed and enclosed.
  6. Continue doing this – if your apple slices are small, put a couple in.
  7. Place your dumplings into your 9×13
  8. Make your sauce by combining butter, sugars, and vanilla in a saucepan on medium high heat- bring to a slight boil.
  9. Pour sauce over dumplings.
  10. Add Mountain Dew to the sides.
  11. Sprinkle with cinnamon
  12. Bake uncovered for 35 mins.
  13. Serve with vanilla ice cream!

 

 

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Filed Under: Breakfast, Cooking For A Crowd ·

Easy and BEST EVER Homemade Strawberry Shortcake (From the Farm)

June 21, 2016 · by · Leave a Comment

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This really was the BEST EVER Strawberry Shortcake. I not only had the blessing of picking fresh strawberries with my girls and dear friends, but we went back to worked together to make this delicious treat. There isn’t anything sweeter than family, community….and a little dessert.

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My munchkin collecting her berries.

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My sweetie pie doing the same…

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What a beautiful day!
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The entire gang! If you can see the bag I am carrying, it only cost me $6 for the entire thing! What a deal! These strawberries were sweeter than any others I have ever had. Mmm…
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So, when you start making Strawberry Shortcake, you simply cut the berries in half (these were small berries, quarter them if they are larger). Add approximately 1/2 cup of water and 1/4 cup of sugar depending on how sweet you want them. Stir and let the berries sit in their juices.

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Mix biscuit ingredients and scoop out onto an ungreased cookie sheet and bake in a 375 oven for approximately 12 mins, until lightly browned.
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Make whipped cream by beating heavy whipping cream,  sugar and vanilla together until desired constancy.

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Serve warm a la mode! Delicious! Mmmmmm.

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Easy and BEST EVER Homemade Strawberry Shortcake (From the Farm)
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 2 lbs strawberries
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • Whipped Cream
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees
  2. Mix strawberries with 1/2 cup water and 1/4 cup sugar.
  3. Stir together the flour, baking powder, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Add heavy cream and mix until just combined. Drop like cookies onto an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for approximately 12 mins.
  4. Whipped Cream:
  5. Using a mixer, beat the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla.
  6. Remove shortcakes from pan and place on a rack to cool slightly.
  7. Place a shortcake on a plate, top with homemade whipped cream, top with another shortcake. Laddle strawberries in their juices on top of shortcakes, serve a la mode.

 

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Easy Potato Skins

May 16, 2016 · by · 1 Comment

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My sweet daughter asked me to make this recipe tonight and I was so glad she did! These potato skins were excellent! A crispy outside, tender inside, filled with bubbly cheese and topped with bacon and chives. What is not to love?

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I’m quite certain this little “Angle of Love” (that’s what I call her) has “checked out” this library book “Cookbook for Girls” a 100 times over the course of 3 years. I think it’s time we buy it. She just loves it!

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Wash potatoes and pierce with a fork. Cover potatoes in oil. Bake for 1 hour in a 400 degrees oven.

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We always grate our own cheese because it’s so much creamier! None of those additives that pre-shredded cheese have in them.

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She loves her cookbook 🙂

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When potatoes have baked for an hour, let them cool for about 10-15 mins. Slice in half and take out some of the innards. I actually leave a little more than most people would. Fill the skins with cheese and top with bacon. Bake in a 400 oven for an additional 10 mins until bubbling.

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Top with scallions and serve with sour cream! Easy peasy.

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Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • 6 large potatoes
  • Oil (for coating)
  • 16 oz cheddar cheese (or more to your liking)
  • 6 slices of bacon cooked and crumbled
  • Scallions (garnish)
  • Salt and pepper to your liking
  • Sour cream
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 400
  2. Wash and pierce potatoes with a fork
  3. Place on wire drying sheet on top of a baking sheet in oven and bake for 1 hour.
  4. Let cool for 10-15 mins
  5. Slice in half and scoop out some of the innards (as much or little as you like)
  6. Fill with cheese and top with bacon
  7. Bake in 400 oven for an additional 10 mins until bubbly
  8. Garnish with scallions and serve with sour cream
  9. Enjoy! YUM!

Great job, princess!

*This post includes affiliate links to Amazon, in which this blogger gets compensation if a user should purchase any item off of the links within this page.

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Filed Under: Appetizers, Kiddos, Uncategorized ·

Meal Ministry Matters

May 9, 2016 · by · 4 Comments

I love Meal Ministry… no matter what the cause. But, I have to say there are times when I’m serving, I feel especially blessed. On this day, I felt the most blessed. The dinner above was being prepared for a wonderful Christian family of 5 who was caring for their then 6 year old son battling Leukemia.

Being Mother’s Day, I thought of this family and the many other families I know who have a child who is sick. The Lord knows I do not have a perfect life- none of us do, but I thank God for 3 healthy children. I also know full well that at any time anything can happen…to any of us, and to our children. Lord, please keep us safe.

Some of you might have seen this post on Take them a Meal in the past, but I really felt it was important to post it here on Comfy because it meant so much to serve in this way.

My daughter went to pre-school with Jonny- he actually sat on my lap on a field trip the day before his diagnosis 2 years ago….

As I was making his meal a noise sounded from my computer alerting me of an incoming e-mail. It was Caring Bridge…an update on Jonny. Here’s what it said…

Jonny’s mom writes:

On this “feels like” five below zero day, Jonny and I find ourselves at Children’s Hospital.  It’s been a wonderfully long time since I’ve last posted.  Things have gone back to normal and it’s been so good.  Today Jonny is here for a regular chemo treatment.  No spinal tap.  Jonny has already had his port accessed and we’re waiting for the results of his blood counts.  He has already earned nine gold coin stickers on his treasure map.  As is the norm, we should be here a couple more hours.  Once we’re done we’ll swing by the infamous Ball Machine (where I’ll grab a coffee) and head to Wendy’s for some of Jonny’s favorite chicken nuggets and a frosty…we’ll make it home just  in time to see Seth off of the bus.  Tonight we’re all looking forward to a special meal from a friend.  It’s nice not having to worry about dinner on a day like today.  Thanks Janelle!

Typically we come to the clinic on Fridays.  At our last treatment in December we learned that Jonny’s beloved Dr. Talai is in semi retirement and is no longer at the clinic on Fridays.  He will fully retire sometime in 2014.  So for now we have changed Jonny’s treatment day to Wednesday.  This will take him out of school two or three days a month.  It certainly was easier to come on Fridays.  It was my day off along with my mom’s day off.  I’ve learned that with Jonny that keeping consistent with Dr. Talai is most important.     

Good news,  Jonny’s oral chemo has been increased because he is able to handle the smaller dose without a drop in his blood counts.  We’ll be back for a count check in a couple of weeks to make sure the larger dose isn’t causing a drop in his counts which would compromise his immunity system.   

Keep all these things in your prayers.  We continue to cling to the One who calls us to come to him and to cast our cares on him.  Pray for us as we parent all of our kids.  We desire for Seth and Maggie to also see and experience God’s grace.  Pray that they wouldn’t build up hard hearts as they see so much being done for Jonny and because of Jonny.  Pray that Keith and I would be sensitive to all of their needs and that we would be wise in pointing them to Christ…. who is all they need.

Much love and thanks to you dear friends!

Anchored in Christ….

And with that…I cooked…and I prayed…..and cooked….and prayed. How fortunate I felt to be a servant to this family…I couldn’t change what was going on in their lives, but I could make a meal.

A meal that mom didn’t have to go out and grocery shop for…more moments to spend with her family…she didn’t have to clean the kitchen. Hopefully there would be leftovers. I’m so glad to do this, I kept thinking….and praying….

When I asked, she said they liked plain food…Well, her husband and her children did anyways 🙂 So, I kept it simple-homemade and comfy.

Crescent Chicken is Comfy in the Kitchen’s most popular dish….I guessed they’d like that.

Sweet buttered corn goes well with…

Homemade mashed potatoes….the gravy was extra from the Crescent Chicken.

Classic Green Beans would add color….who could resist this flavorful side?

And if the kidos didn’t favor Crescent Chicken {it could happen-not likely, but it could!} Octodogs could save the day!

Last, but not least…Dirt Pudding Dessert! Everyone {even grown-ups} love this Oreo deliciousness….I stand firm it could brighten anyone’s day 🙂

Meal Ministry matters…..to someone.

A recently widowed woman…a new mom…a person who just underwent surgery…a family praying for God to heal their child. 

In this life….

It matters. It just does.

God bless the hands who prepare a Meal Ministry!

 

TODAY THIS LITTLE GUY IS 2 YEARS CANCER FREE!!!!!

 

 

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Filed Under: Cooking For A Crowd, Dessert, Meal Ministry, Uncategorized ·

Happy Easter, Friends. A little Update on My Happenings!

March 28, 2016 · by · 9 Comments

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Hi Friends, I wanted to touch base on Comfy to wish you a very Happy Easter…Here are a few snapshots of my day with my sweet family. I pray you had a blessed day with your families as well.

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As some of you might know, I’ve been very busy finishing up my Master’s degree in clinical counseling. I’m working as a CT at a Christian private practice currently and absolutely love it. It honestly is a dream come true. The best thing about my job is that I get to share The Gospel of Jesus with those who want to know about it…and today is a reminder of how blessed I am. Thank you Jesus.

“Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”

~1 Corinthians 15:1-8

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18 years ago my mom and I passed this beautiful tudor home, a Christian counseling practice. I remember saying to her that I felt I had missed my calling. In that moment I really wished I wouldn’t have changed my major and would have stayed on that track.

Well today, here is my sweet office. Here is where healing happens, burdens are laid down, feelings are validated, mental illnesses are treated, and the Gospel of Jesus is shared. We pray, cry, and get a lot of work done. It is truly one of my life’s greatest passions. Well, that and cooking…

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”
~Ephesians 2:8

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It was two years ago I decided to make that leap at 34 years old to go back to school. Here are my greatest cheerleaders!

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When I started my internship as a full-time CT (Counselor in Training), I had the blessing to explain to the children that God placed this desire in my heart when I was 17 years old and now was the time for the glorious unfolding. This paper is something I wrote back in High School in 1996 and kept as a reminder for myself…

“Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
-Psalm 37:4

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A teary and very bittersweet moment!

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
~Romans 1:16

I hope this explains why I have been somewhat absent here on Comfy, however I am sure, Lord willing, I will be back with more recipes and more “Finding Comfort”. Thank you for your long-suffering readership and encouragement!

Love to you, Janelle 

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Filed Under: Comfy Talk, Devotionals, Seasonal, Uncategorized ·

Easter Egg Toast

March 18, 2016 · by · 3 Comments

 

 

Easter Egg Toast, it’s a family recipe that always puts a smile on my children’s faces and one they look forward to every year. If you don’t know what to do with all of those colored hard boiled eggs, this is the recipe for you! Enjoy, sweet friends…

 

Gather up about 10 Easter Eggs.

Take off the shells and rinse. You may have some “color” showing on the actual egg…I think it makes it more festive!

Chop up the eggs like so…

Now, you can either purchase a “gravy mix”, or you can make homemade gravy {white sauce}.

Add eggs to your gravy {white sauce}.

 

Stir.

Toast your bread {1-2 slices per person}

Pour over top! It really is a delicious way to use up those Easter Eggs!

Someone scrapped their dish….yum!

Easter Egg Toast
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 10 mins
Total time: 15 mins
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • 10 Easter Eggs
  • White Gravy Packet {follow directions}
  • OR- Homemade= 4 Tbsp butter, 1/3 cup flour, 3 cups of milk, 1 tsp salt/pepper.
  • 1-2 slices of bread per person.
Instructions
  1. Peel shells off of Easter Eggs.
  2. Chop eggs.
  3. Make White Gravy Packet OR Make Homemade as follows:
  4. Melt butter on stove top, add flour to make a paste, add milk and whisk until thickened, add salt and pepper.
  5. Add chopped eggs.
  6. Toast bread.
  7. Pour egg and gravy over toast.

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Filed Under: Breakfast, Seasonal, Uncategorized ·

My Top 10 Favorite Beauty Products

January 13, 2016 · by · 4 Comments

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Hi Ladies,

As you know sharing about The Lord, meal ministry and offering encouragement are three topics that are near and dear to my heart. They are the basis of everything I do from blogging, to raising my family, to ministry, and to my work. So, I just wanted to make sure that I disclaimed that because something that I am not… is a fashionista.

I don’t put a ton of time and thought into my appearance, but I feel as though it’s important for us to take care of ourselves. Putting just a little effort into our appearance can help us in our daily ministry because it can help us feel better about ourselves. Once I find a product I like, I generally stick with it (eh hem, hot rollers). I’m a fairly simple creature when it comes to beauty and don’t change my regiment very often.

So, today there’s no harm in sharing some of the beauty products I enjoy. I get e-mails frequently asking me about certain hair and make-up products, so here I go…my tried and true favorite things.

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I really enjoy soft and clean smelling fragrances that aren’t too powerful. A Thousand Wishes by Bath and Body Works is my current lotion and body spray– It stays on for a long time and I just love the smell of it. 

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Ok, these products are huge for me.

Bare Minerals makeup is my all-time favorite because I have such sensitive skin- it gives the look of full coverage without feeling heavy. I don’t use a liquid foundation,  just this powder. If you haven’t tried this before, it will change your life! Because I have olive skin, I use Bare Minerals Original in Medium Beige and their blush in Golden Gate. I also use their primer which helps gives an overall smoother appearance.

Next is my Super Sizer mascara from Covergirl. I can’t tell you how often people ask me if I’m wearing false eye lashes! This stuff really works and it’s half the price of many other mascaras.

OPI makes great nail polishes – I love their seasonal colors. The names of them always crack me up… they’re like the “Ben and Jerry’s” of nail color. Let me think of some…”Did you ear about Van Gogh?” (that’s a golden shade), “Who the Shrek are you?” (that’s green), “Crawfishin for a Compliment” (peach).

Urban Decay makes amazing eye shadows. They are a bit pricier than an average eyeshadow, but I would say in the long run I save money because they last forever.  The colors not only last long through the day, but just in general you don’t need to use a lot because they go on so smoothly. This set of 12 neutral shades is a very popular. You can go with a natural look, or my favorite… smokey eyes. I got it as a gift from my mom and use it every day.

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Stitch Fix has been a HUGE blessing in this blogging girl’s life. I am not much of a shopper, but I do like to look “current” with styles (or, at least “classic”, I should say). This company ships clothing right to my door and because I promote online for them (anyone can, you don’t have to be a blogger-FB works), most of my clothes are free or offered at a deep discount. I have had a huge success with the way things have fit as well, which truly surprises me. This is all I wear now- they even send purses and jewelry.

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I didn’t name it, but it is what it is…Big Sexy Hair. Love this stuff. Best hairspray ever.


And for those who have followed me for a time…you know I have to give a shout out to Con Air Hot Rollers! I’ve been using these on my hair for…20 years. Wow, that makes me feel very old.

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There are also times I use just my curling wand, or I will simply add in a few curls to the front after I use the hot rollers. This one comes with a glove and it just cracks me up! I break the law and disregard it, but be careful because these get super hot. Above is the picture I showed on Instagram – Indeed, I have curly hair envy!

Well, Ladies…this has been a lot of fun. It’s nice to have casual posts every now and again. Do you use any of these products? What are some of your favorites?

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you should make a purchase from Amazon by using of these links, I will be given compensation. 

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Filed Under: Comfy In My Jeans, Comfy Talk, Uncategorized ·

Easy Shrimp Cocktail Sauce

December 31, 2015 · by · 2 Comments

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Shrimp cocktail is always a hit with my family. It’s honestly the easiest appetizer in the world to make, because you don’t really have to “make” anything. It’s a great filler for a spread for that very reason (not to mention a healthy choice, and it’s gluten-free). One appetizer down with very little effort!

I typically only mix up the cocktail sauce, which has just two ingredients.  I get asked for the recipe over and over because it’s so much better than a typical cocktail sauce. Believe me, it isn’t a fancy recipe… but it’s good!

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I buy frozen cooked shrimp at Aldi’s

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And I do a quick defrost by placing the shrimp in a colander and running luke warm water over them.

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Mix Horseradish sauce together with…

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Ketchup. Yep. That’s right….ketchup.

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And place it all on an elegant serving tray to make it look like you put a lot of effort into it.  Enjoy!

*You can find some beautiful trays on Amazon!

Easy Shrimp Cocktail Sauce
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • 2 Tbsp Horseradish sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
Instructions
  1. Mix together and serve with thawed/cooked shrimp

*This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive compensation if you make a purchase using this link for your purchase from Amazon. 

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Filed Under: Appetizers, Comfy In My Jeans, Food Allergy Friendly, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Learning the Basics ·

Nutella Fold Over Cookies

December 21, 2015 · by · 2 Comments

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This recipe came from Taste of Home  and I just had to share. These amazing little cookies are delicate and buttery on the outside and rich and creamy on the inside. They’re a great new addition to the standard Christmas cookie tray.

On a side note, my friends, family, and I have a huge love for Nutella… Let me show you the ways:

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They’ll be eating Nutella pizza when she comes, heeee haw! A shout out to my beloved friends in ministry. Thanks for keeping me accountable, Clare….lol.

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My Gabby Girl shares the love…


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My sweet friend Katina took this shot while she was in Chicago…she knew I’d appreciate it.

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One of my son’s dearest buddies…He knows.

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And my girl Mandy….she’s got the right idea!
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Lol, I love this! My amazing friend Jinka loves Nutella…. BIG time.

So, with this….here’s the recipe 😉 Enjoy.

 

Nutella Fold Over Cookies
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 24
Adapted from Taste of Home
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped hazelnuts
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 3/4 cup cold butter, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons Nutella
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. In a small bowl, mix hazelnuts and sugar.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk flour, confectioners’ sugar and cornstarch.
  4. Cut in butter until crumbly.
  5. Transfer to a clean work surface.
  6. Knead gently until mixture forms a smooth dough, about 2 minutes (dough will be crumbly but will come together).
  7. Divide dough in half.
  8. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 2-in. round cookie cutter.
  9. Place 1/4 teaspoon Nutella in center. Fold dough partially in half, just enough to cover filling.
  10. Place 1 in. apart on greased baking sheets.
  11. Brush with beaten egg; sprinkle with hazelnut mixture.
  12. Bake 10-12 minutes or until bottoms are light brown.
  13. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

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EASY Baked Artichoke Dip

December 20, 2015 · by · Leave a Comment

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This dip has to be on my top 10 favorite appetizers list. It’s so good that I can’t believe I haven’t posted it until now. But, better late than never, right? If you are entertaining this week for the holidays, I suggest making this hot, bubbly, cheesy crowd pleaser. Serve with tortilla chips or club crackers. You’ll be asked for the recipe over and over, so be prepared. Enjoy, sweet friends!

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Mayo, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, onions, parmesan cheese, artichokes, onions, worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of garlic powder.

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Mix together with hand held mixer and place in a oven safe bowl. Bake at 350 for 40 mins until lightly browned and bubbly.

IMG_5087Mmmmm….

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So addicting…you’re going to fall in love.

EASY Baked Artichoke Dip
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Ingredients
  • 1 8 oz cream cheese
  • 2 cups mayo
  • 1 14oz can artichokes, drained
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix with hand held mixer. Transfer into an oven safe bowl and bake uncovered at 350 for approximately 40 mins.
  2. Serve with tortilla chips and/or club crackers.

 

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Filed Under: Appetizers, Food Allergy Friendly, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free ·

Christmas Breakfast

December 15, 2015 · by · 12 Comments

Hi Ladies! I wanted to share with you one of my favorite meals of the year~Christmas Breakfast. I wake up early to start the cooking, but it isn’t long before I hear the pitter patter of footsteps down the stairs! This has been a tradition in our family for 12 years…and our parents always join us as well. A blessed morning, indeed.

 

I will set the table on Christmas Even, so that is ready for everyone in the morning.

I will get up around 6 am to start breakfast. These Cinnamon Rolls have been a tradition ever since I was a child.  I can already imagine it now- My children waking up to all the excitement AND the smell of these! Memories in the making!

I will make freshly squeezed orange juice (not because I am picky- I just have a TON of oranges from the fruit and nut sale at the school, lol)

I’ll make a  Chef Mickey’s Breakfast Pizza for the kidos.


Mixed Berries-(because there is less prep work than a fruit salad and it looks beautiful and tastes delicious!)

Sausage Gravy Over Biscuits – I simply double the batch and place it on low in the crock pot with biscuits in a bread basket.


And of course…2 Easy Ham and Cheesy Quiches


I will also lay these delicious homemade soft sugar cookies with frosting out on a tray for after breakfast with coffee. This is a very special recipe in our family! I love this time of Christmas morning…where my family-parents and grandparents-watch the children play with their toys.

I pray this post gives you inspiration for YOUR Christmas breakfasts! Blessings upon all of you sweet wives and moms that serve your families…these “little” things are actually pretty big.

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Filed Under: Breakfast · Tagged: ,

Three Cheese Manicotti with Homemade Crepes

December 7, 2015 · by · 2 Comments

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Hi Ladies, Well…tis the season for special guests and dinner parties. I wanted to share with you an amazing recipe that I believe will be memorable for anyone dining. This manicotti isn’t typical because it is made with homemade egg-based crepes.

Now, if you’ve made crepes in the past and are concerned, don’t be. These crepes don’t stick to the pan and are so quick and easy to make and assemble. They make a world of difference in comparison to the typical manicotti noodle.

The crepes have a soft, delate texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese filling and the mix of both homemade Alfredo and Spaghetti Sauce.  You’ll be asked to make this again and again. Enjoy.

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Make up a batch of Grandma Ruth’s Spaghetti Sauce. Or, you can used your favorite jarred sauce (not judging).

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Then make a batch of Homemade Alfredo Sauce (super easy- I do suggest this to be homemade because it makes a huge difference).
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Start making your crepes….

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Whisk together the eggs, water, flour and sugar and let sit in the refrigerator for a half hour.

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For filling, in a medium bowl mix together eggs, ricotta cheese, parsley, mozzarella cheese and fresh parmesan. Set aside.

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Lightly oil a 6″ pan and heat over medium high heat. Ladle about 1/2 cup of batter into pan and swirl around. Cook and flip. Repeat- this makes about 10-12 crepes.

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Again, this crepe recipe is super easy and quick. Stack them up on a plate- they will not stick together and they don’t tear apart easily. They work excellent.

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Fill the center of your crepes with cheese mixture and roll up. Ladle spaghetti sauce at the bottom of a 9×13 pan, then fill up with your prepared manicotti. Top with both sauces, mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Cove and bake at 350 for 40 mins until bubbling.

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One of the best things you’ll ever taste….my mouth is watering reliving how good this was.

Three Cheese Manicotti with Homemade Crepes
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 5
Ingredients
  • Crepes:
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 Tbsp sugar
  • Filling:
  • 2 Lbs Ricotta
  • 2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella
  • 1 cup parmesan
  • 1 tsp parsley
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 Batch Grandma Ruth’s Spaghetti Sauce
  • 1 Batch Alfredo Sauce
  • 1 cup mozzarella for topping
Instructions
  1. Crepes:
  2. In a large bowl, whisk six eggs with 1 1/2 cups of water.
  3. Gradually add flour, salt, and sugar, whisking gently until smooth.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  5. To make the crepes:
  6. Remove batter from fridge and whisk it briefly.
  7. Heat about 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil in an 8-inch nonstick pan over medium heat. Add about a half cup of batter to the pan and coat. Cook about 30-40 seconds, then carefully flip crepe over and continue cooking for another 30 seconds. Transfer to a plate. The crepes will not stick together. Repeat with remaining crepe batter, you should not need any additional oil.
  8. Cheese Filling:
  9. In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, two eggs, parsley, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper.
  10. Assembly:
  11. Spread 3 to 4 tablespoons filling down the center of a crepe. Roll it up and place it, seam-side-down in a 9×13. Repeat with remaining crepes and filling. Ladle both sauces over top of manicotti, add mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Cover and bake 350 for 40 mins until bubbling.

 

 

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Filed Under: Cooking For A Crowd, Entrees ·

Simmered Fresh Green Beans, Ham, and Potatoes

November 15, 2015 · by · 1 Comment

Greenbeans
Ahhh….here it is, one of my favorite recipes. I remember coming home from school when I was a child to the sweet and savory aroma of mom’s green beans simmering on the stove. I hope your family will enjoy these as much as my family does.

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Use one or two ham hocks depending on how hammy you like your beans.

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Start off by placing your ham hock at the bottom of a part pot and covering it with water.

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Add a little sugar and let simmer for an hour.

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Meanwhile, rinse your green beans and snap off any ends with stems. Add all of your green beans to the pot of simmering ham broth. If you need to, add more water to cover. Simmer for another hour or two.

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Take your ham bone out and flake the meat off the bone and add it to the pot of green beans. At this point in time you can also add quartered red potatoes. These will soak up the saltiness from the ham, so you may need to add some salt when you serve. Definitely add plenty of pepper.

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Mmmmm…..

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Simmered Fresh Green Beans, Ham, and Potatoes
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 10
Ingredients
  • 1-2 ham hocks depending on your taste
  • 2 lbs fresh green beans
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 4-5 red potatoes quartered
  • salt and pepper
Instructions
  1. Place your ham hock at the bottom of a large pot, cover with water, add sugar and let simmer for an hour.
  2. Rinse and drain green beans and take off any stems or parts that don’t look so good and add them to the pot.
  3. Add more water if needed. Cover and simmer for 2 hours.
  4. Quarter potatoes and add them to the pot.
  5. Take ham hock out of water and flake off meat and add the meat to the pot.
  6. Let simmer until potatoes are tender.
  7. Add salt and pepper to desired taste.
  8. When you are ready to serve, drain beans and season a little more.

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Filed Under: Comfy In My Jeans, Cooking For A Crowd, Food Allergy Friendly, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Learning the Basics, Sides ·

Candy Shoppe Blondies

November 1, 2015 · by · 2 Comments

 

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What do to, what to do. We have too much candy in this house from trick or treat!

Tonight, we are having my father-in-law and my new mother-in-law over for dinner (they just got married this past week). While I was thinking about what I could make for dessert, I started wondering how I could incorporate some of this candy into whatever it was that I would make.

These blondie brownies seemed to fit the bill perfectly. So, if you too are wondering the same thing, whip up a batch of these delicious treats and you won’t be sorry. A delicious way to use up some of that candy!

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In a large bowl, add butter, eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla.

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Cream together.
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Add flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.

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Pick out a plethora of your favorite treats…

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Bag em up.

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And crush away.

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Mmmm….

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Add this to your batter.
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There’s a little caramel goodness from the Twix bar right there, mmmmm…..

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Pour into a buttered 8×8 pan and bake at 350 for approximately 18 mins- do not over bake.

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Let cook slightly before slicing.

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Enjoy!

Candy Shoppe Blondies
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 stick butter, melted
  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • Approximately 10 assorted candy bars, crushed
Instructions
  1. Cream together butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla.
  2. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt and mix.
  3. Crush candy bars in a ziploc bag. Add this to the brownie mix.
  4. Butter an 8×8 dish.
  5. Bake in a 350 oven for approximately 18 mins.

 

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Filed Under: Dessert, Kiddos ·

Homemade Burrito Bowls {Just like Chipotle!}

October 3, 2015 · by · Leave a Comment

burritobowl
This super easy and equally tasty recipe just made it’s way onto my staple recipe list. Be as versatile as you’d like with your toppings. Everything I used, I had on hand. This was an impromptu dinner idea in my home tonight and was loved by all. I hope you and our family enjoy ~ I know we sure did!

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Place thawed chicken in a 9×13 pan and sprinkle with Fajita seasoning (I used 1 Ortega pack). Slice red and green peppers and onions. Drizzle veggies with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake uncovered in a 375 oven for 20-25 mins depending on how large your chicken breasts are.
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Shred your cheese.

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Make up your rice (I suggest Jasmine). If you desire, add a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.

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Gather up your other toppings (I had on hand black beans, refried beans, shoepeg corn, and salsa).
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Chicken and veggies are done!

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Slice chicken into bite sized piece.

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Load up your bowl! Enjoy!

Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 6 chicken breasts
  • 1 red pepper, 1 green pepper, 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 fajita seasoning packet (Ortega)
  • Olive Oil
  • Salt/pepper
  • White rice
  • Cheese, corn, salsa, black beans, refried beans, sour cream, and any other toppings.
Instructions
  1. Place chicken in a 9×13 dish and sprinkle with fajita seasoning.
  2. Place peppers and onions next to chicken.
  3. Bake uncovered in a 375 oven for 25 mins or until chicken is done.
  4. Cut chicken into bit sized portions
  5. Make rice according to directions.
  6. Prep other toppings.
  7. For Bowl: Add prepared rice, chicken, peppers and onions and other toppings. Enjoy!

 

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Filed Under: Cooking For A Crowd, Entrees, Food Allergy Friendly, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free · Tagged:

Easy Crockpot Pulled BBQ Chicken

September 29, 2015 · by · Leave a Comment

Close up of pulled chicken sandwich with coleslaw.

Hi Ladies! I don’t know about you, but Fall is a very busy season for me. Right now I am still going full steam ahead with graduate school (for those of you who don’t know, I’m going to be a Clinical Counselor when I grow up). So, the next few recipes I will be sharing will be crockpot recipes! Do I hear applause?

This BBQ Pulled Chicken is so moist and tender it literally flakes apart. If you’re leery about cooking chicken in the crockpot, don’t. This chicken isn’t dry at all. You’re going to love it, I promise.IMG_4857
Make your sauce by combining BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, and brown sugar.

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A shout out to Sweet Baby Ray-  my favorite prepared BBQ sauce.

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Place chicken breasts in crockpot. I actually use frozen and it works great. Then add your barbecue sauce.

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Cook on low heat for 6 hours and pull chicken apart. You can add more Sweet Baby Ray’s to it as well. Serve on a bun or alone with your sides.

Close up of pulled chicken sandwich with coleslaw.

Easy Crockpot Pulled BBQ Chicken
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 8
Ingredients
  • 6-8 small chicken breasts (4 if larger in size)
  • 2 cups BBQ sauce
  • 1 cup Italian Dressing (prepared in a jar, not seasoning)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
  1. Whisk together BBQ sauce, Italian dressing and brown sugar.
  2. Place chicken in the crockpot and add BBQ sauce mixture.
  3. Cover and let cook on low for 6 hours.
  4. Pull chicken apart and drain excess BBQ sauce if need be.
  5. Serve on buns with additional BBQ sauce.

 

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Filed Under: Entrees, Uncategorized · Tagged: , ,

How I Painted My Countertops!

September 15, 2015 · by · 5 Comments

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Hey Ladies! I’ve been taking a little time off of cooking because I’ve been giving my kitchen a much needed coat of paint. I even painted the countertops, can you believe it? My countertops were getting pretty beat up, especially because I have a bad habit of using the them as a cutting board (don’t tell). For a fraction of the cost of new granite, I was able to update these worn out countertops!

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So, this is where I have my coffee maker. As you can see there isn’t even a countertop where I place it, so I decided to create the illusion of one.

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In my Giani Granite Kit (I used Sicilian Sand), it said to edge, then paint the countertops with the black primer first. That was easy…

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Then I went to town sponging with the three different colors they supplied. There are tons of demonstrations online and on the Giani website.

I wanted so badly to crop out that crooked handle, but instead I’m going to say “me too”- my kitchen was falling apart!

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Then I added the glaze to the top.  It seals and gives a very shinny appearance, much like granite.

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I also made sure to caulk around the areas that needed it. It gave more of a finished look. Everything that I needed, besides the caulk, came in the Giani Kit.

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I also gave the cabinets a fresh coat of Behr Alkyd Semi-Gloss Enamel paint and boy, did that make a difference. And yes, I tightened up those loose handles 😉

For all of you who have been scared off by the new painting technique for countertops- don’t let it intimidate you! It’s super easy and I’m very pleased with the results. In fact, I think that it looks even better in person.

If you’re wondering what that basket is- it’s a meal ministry.  Gluten-free flour mix items and a mason jar for a dear friend. A great idea for the GF person in your life. 

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Filed Under: Comfy Talk, Organizing · Tagged: , , ,

7 Things I Say To God When I Don’t Choose To Wait On Him

September 13, 2015 · by · Leave a Comment

7 Things I Say to God

Hi Ladies,

I have a special guest posting today! Gina and I have worked along side one another for 5 years now and we finally were able to meet in person just last weekend (picture below). Gina is so down-to-earth and has such a heart for young women. It gives me so much hope to meet someone who is willing to be transparent, share biblical and life wisdom, and pour so much of herself into others. Her writing always touches home for me personally – I was just blessed by this very post this morning.

Gina writes:


I have many personal weaknesses, but I would say that my biggest one by far is that I don’t know when to leave people alone! If there is a conflict or misunderstanding, I can become almost obsessed with wanting to clarify and make things right. There’s something inside of me that thinks that if I just explain more clearly, am really honest with how I feel, or just explain things one more time, that the other person will understand, see my heart, and everything will be okay. Normally, that has not been the case.

 

When I continually try to fix things, I tend to make a pain of myself and drive people away. Then I feel foolish and sometimes I think I might even be perceived as being a crazy lady. I just want everything to be okay…

 

There’s something within me that just wants peace. I want to be understood. I want to take care of what I need to take care of. But I also want the other party to acknowledge their part in things. I wish it were an easy process, but unfortunately it isn’t. I’ve had it back fire on me too many times. You’d think I would have learned by now.

 

God has had to bring me back to the same place so many times. He has had to remind me that I am not in control, that He is the one who opens and closes the eyes of people, and that I need to let Him do His work in His time.

 

7 THINGS I SAY TO GOD WHEN I DON’T CHOOSE TO WAIT ON HIM:

  1. My glory is what is important.
  2. I want my name cleared.
  3. I want peace and for everything to be okay no matter what it takes.
  4. “God, you’re not working fast enough.”
  5. I don’t want anyone to be upset with me or think the wrong things about me.
  6. I am being driven by pride.
  7. “I can do a better job than You are doing.” (My frustration shows and I respond emotionally, and make things worse.)

 

8 THINGS I SAY TO GOD WHEN I CHOOSE TO WAIT ON HIM:

  1. “God, Your glory is what is important.”
  2. The good of the other person is what is important.
  3. “God, I trust You with my reputation.
  4. “Lord, I trust You and Your timing.”
  5. “I have faith that You know what is best God, even if I don’t see what You are doing.”
  6. I am being driven by humility. An ever present realization that I am utterly dependent on Him to make things right. It is completely out of my hands.
  7. “I am willing to die to myself for Your purposes God.”
  8. “I am a mess. God, You are not. I make bigger messes. You soften hearts and restore.”

 

The only thing harder than sitting back and waiting on God to do His work in others, is being sadly aware that I have rushed ahead of Him and made a mess, making His job of restoration harder!

But you know what else waiting on God does?

It gives time for God to show me my own heart more clearly.

When I rush ahead, I am focusing on what the other person needs to see. When I wait on God, I am praying for the person to see what they need to see, and God always reminds me to pray that for myself as well.

I am humbled at how impatient I can be, and I am praying that God would continue to do the work He has been doing all along, even though I sometimes am not able to see it.

Gina
{Gina and “Comfy”}

Gina Smith is a busy mom of two adult children, and wife to Brian. She and her husband have been in ministry together for over 20 years, working with college students and young married couples. Gina has recently authored her first book, entitled: “Grace Gifts: Celebrating Your Children Every Day”.

You can find Gina at her personal blog, and at her facebook author page.

A note about my book:

“Grace Gifts: Celebrating Your Children Every Day” is not just another book about “grace based parenting”. “Grace Gifts” is a short book, is perfect for busy moms, and is filled with ideas and practical ways in which you can show your kids and their friends love and grace, and how that can be used to point them to God.

Grace Gifts will help you learn how to offer your children the gift of grace by encouraging you to:

  • Tune in
  • Enter into their trials
  • Respect them
  • Celebrate their friends
  • Bless them

As parents, we can be tempted to grasp for methods of parenting, when what we really need is principles. There are no perfect parents and no parenting style is perfect. The principles found in “Grace Gifts” can be carried out a million different ways. They can actually custom-fit your particular family. I have described the grace gifts and what they looked like in my home, and my prayer is that it will encourage you to think about how it might look in your own home. The principles covered in “Grace Gifts” apply to any age. My hope is that you will reference it over and over again.

Read more about “Grace Gifts”, and where you can purchase it by going here:

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Filed Under: Devotionals, Finding Comfort · Tagged:

Bake Sale Ideas for Fundraisers

September 7, 2015 · by · 2 Comments

Vegetarian mini pizza with cherry tomatoes, paprika and olives

School is back in session and one of the simplest and the most fun ways to get your child involved with charity is by having a bake sale!

Children love to experiment in the kitchen, and with their innate sense of charity and compassion, as told by parenting expert Diane Harris, it’s time that you put two and two together and do something for the greater good, with something like a bake sale fundraiser.

There are lots of things that you and your little ones can make together, but instead of baking the customary chocolate chip cookies or lemon bars, here are three ideas that are easy to execute and will be enjoyed by everyone!

 

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Cake Pops
Cake pops are bite-sizes of joy and are a great alternative to cupcakes and cakes. The Kitchen Gift Co. say that they can be made in one of two ways: by either using a cake pop mold or the crumble method. If you’ve got any leftover sponge cake, you can crumble it up with buttercream and roll it into small balls. When cooled, you can dip them in melted chocolate and then add sprinkles.


Vegetarian mini pizza with cherry tomatoes, paprika and olives

Mini Pizzas
Instead of opting for only sweet goodies, try adding some savory snacks into the mix. Mini pizzas are a great addition to a bake sale that will be enjoyed by everyone. To make things easier for you and your kids, cut small pizza bases out of tortilla wraps and then experiment with all kinds of toppings.

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Cupcake Cones
Cupcakes are a must-have for bake sale, but if you’re looking for a unique spin, you can bake your cupcakes in wafer ice cream cones. They’re an adorable imitation of ice cream and can be customized to any flavor. Parents.com used banana cake with chocolate frosting and yellow sprinkles.

Choosing which charity to donate to
If your child’s school isn’t having a bake sale at the time, there are plenty of other charities that appreciate all sorts of contributions. If your family is animal-loving, your family’s passion for pets could benefit an animal shelter. If a family member is suffering from an illness, then you could send proceeds to medical research. Another option you have is sponsoring a child overseas, which can help give your child perspective on the world, especially if both your child and the sponsored child are the same age.

What are some other ideas that you have, have seen, or have baked in the past for bake sales? 

 

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Filed Under: Appetizers, Cooking For A Crowd, Kiddos, Meal Ministry ·

How to Make Homemade Jam

September 5, 2015 · by · Leave a Comment

jam
Hi Ladies! I’m so excited to introduce you to a very special guest on Comfy today. Back when I did link-up’s, Chels was one of my absolute favorite foodies who shared on the blog. She’s back today sharing a mouth-watering recipe that I’m sure you’ll just love. The best part about it is that it is easily adaptable to your taste preference and you don’t have to have experience with canning. 

Here is what Chels has to share:

I’ve been following Janelle in the blogosphere since she began sharing recipes at Women Living Well (one of the first Christian blogs I began reading & and one I still faithfully read) and then she launched her own blog and I quickly subscribed and began picking up tidbits of information and thinking about how to apply meal ministry to my own life.

My sweet Mother-in-Love has a motto she lives by whole-heartily.

“Never squelch a generous thought.”

I firmly believe that when these thoughts speak to you, you listen, because it is the voice of the Holy Spirit helping to guide you to be an encouragement and light to others.

The thing about ministry is that the act doesn’t have to be grand to be an encouragement to others. Something, like a card in the mail to cheer someone up, or dropping off ginger ale and some chicken noodle soup (homemade or from the grocery store) to someone whose sick goes a long way and dropping by a bouquet of flowers to a widow are just one of the many ways to minister to others.

Today, I thought I would share a simple jam recipe that boasts some of the wonderful flavors of summer. What I love about this recipe is that you don’t have to have any “canning” experience to make it, so anyone – regardless of cooking experience can make this recipe.

You can use any berry or herb you like, blackberries and rosemary, raspberries and basil, strawberry and thyme – all of these would go beautifully together, fresh or frozen.

The next time, you hear that whisper, don’t squelch it, encourage the thought so that you can encourage someone else.

 

“Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Psalm 34:8

 jam

How to Make Jam
Author: Katz in the Kitchen
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 1 1/2 cups
Adapted from Giada De Laurentiis
Ingredients
  • 2 cups marionberries or any berries of your choice, (thawed, if frozen and juices reserved)
  • 2 cups fresh mint leaves, chopped finely
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice – about 1 medium lemon
Instructions
  1. Place the marionberries and any juice in a medium pot and lightly mash with a potato masher or fork.
  2. In a food processor or a blender, combine the sugar, mint leaves, orange juice, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
  3. Pour the mixture into the pot and stir the berries into the mixture to combine and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  4. Stir until the mixture thickens about 25-30 minutes stirring occasionally.
  5. Remove the pot from the heat and allow to rest and come to room temperature for one hour. (The jam will thicken as it cools.)
  6. Refrigerate and store for up to one week.

1e276f856c709bad62f686b87897d275Chels is a born-again believer who dreams of living
with all four seasons in Central Oregon. She’s a wife and stay at home
mom to her three vivacious kiddos whom she home schools. When she’s
not schooling or chasing after her munchkins, she enjoys reading,
bubble baths, and finding clothing/kitchen treasure at thrift stores.
But more than all of that, she finds refuge in her kitchen where she
and her husband can be found cooking and baking up a storm for their
family and friends. You can read more about her culinary endeavors at
Catzinthekitchen.com

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Filed Under: Breads, Breakfast, Comfy In My Jeans, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Kiddos, Learning the Basics, Meal Ministry, Uncategorized · Tagged: ,

Happy Birthday to Me, Because of You. My Priceless Gift.

August 26, 2015 · by · Leave a Comment

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Wow. How do I begin?

Today is my 36th birthday…

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And a few days ago while I was upstairs getting ready, I heard some commotion going on downstairs. As I walked into the kitchen, I was surprised to see one of my dearest friends and my mom standing there wearing huge grins.

It was about 9 am on a Sunday morning and I surely was not expecting their company. My mom had breakfast in hand and Diana held out the most beautiful box with a blue ribbon.

My hair wasn’t dried.

I was crying and shaking and I didn’t even know why.

I hadn’t cleaned my house for company.

What was all this?

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Diana preceded to tell me with tears running down her face, “Nelle, we thought this year you could use extra encouragement. We gathered letters from family and friends and put them in this memory box for you so that you could read about the love people in your life have for you.”

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I was so taken back.

To be truthful, I’m not the easiest person to surprise… I have a tendency to have a hunch if something’s going on. But this…this…blew me away. I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I honestly couldn’t even soak it in. It was the most beautiful, kind, and thoughtful gift I had ever been given.

It was a box full of memories. More precious than anything bought.

It was my life- the people who encompassed my days. The laughter, the experiences, the joy and even the pain.

It was in that moment that I realized that anything good about me was because of God and the people who are in my life. These precious people have brought out the laughter, tears, and joy and have made me a better person. They’ve given so selflessly and have given me the blessing of being a part of their lives.

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Letters from old friends, new friends, every day friends, friends from afar, and family members were all in this priceless little box.

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Letters written from the hearts of my children…

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and from my family…

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It reminded me how rich in love, thankful, blessed, and grateful I am.

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It taught me that every time we ask a person to get together that we are really asking, “Would you like to make a memory with me?”

That’s the good stuff. That’s what truly matters more than anything in life.

Thank you for being in my life, dear friends and family. You’ve filled me up with so much love- my cup overflows.

“A true friend loves at all times.” ~Proverbs 17:17

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Filed Under: Devotionals, Finding Comfort, Meal Ministry, Uncategorized · Tagged: , ,

Homemade Honey Mustard Dressing {In a jiffy}

August 19, 2015 · by · 6 Comments

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I’m all about short cuts, you know I am. But for some reason or the other, I prefer homemade dressings over store bought. When I make baked chicken fingers and certain salads, I whip up this simple yet delicious dressing in a jiffy! My family rants and raves over it and I laugh because it is just so easy to make. In fact, I have never even measured the ingredients when I’ve made it- it is just that simple. I hope your family enjoys this staple recipe!

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Mix together 1/2 cup mayo, 1/4 cup of mustard and 1/4 cup honey. Add salt and pepper to taste!

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Adults and kiddos alike love this as a dipping sauce for baked chicken fingers!

Homemade Honey Mustard Dressing {In a jiffy}
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 1/4 cup of mustard
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste!
Instructions
  1. Mix all ingredients together and enjoy!

 

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Filed Under: Food Allergy Friendly, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Kiddos, Salads, Sides · Tagged: ,

Corn for a Crowd

August 5, 2015 · by · Leave a Comment

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My dear friend Mem introduced me to this excellent tip on how to cook corn for a crowd. This is a great recipe for gatherings, picnics, pot-lucks, baseball games, etc., because of the ease of transporting it.

I don’t know about you, but I feel that the hardest aspect of cooking for large groups is the timing. It can get difficult making sure side dishes are prepared when the main dish is finished. Add this to the menu for one of your sides because it’s foolproof!

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Husk and wash your corn on the cobb, then place them in a large cooler. Cover them with boiling water, then shut the lid.

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30 mins later, you have the easiest “corn for a crowd” you’ve ever made. Thanks, Mem!

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Filed Under: Comfy In My Jeans, Cooking For A Crowd, Food Allergy Friendly, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Kiddos, Seasonal, Sides · Tagged: , ,

Living Life with God’s Power and Tools

July 31, 2015 · by · 3 Comments

Living Life with God's Power and Tools

People who don’t know me would never know it. I’m very easy going and free spirited, actually. 

In fact, most people who struggle with anxiety hide it pretty well. They tend to be the ones who are very “put together”.

They’re the happy, helping, volunteering, cooking, cleaning, working, mending, smiling, taxi-ing, calling, texting-to-check-in, dressed-perfectly kind of people. The types who hate making waves. The ones who seek peace in all circumstances for fear of conflict. Often times, these folks are very well-liked and if by slight chance they aren’t, realistically it’s because someone is jealous of them. Because they’re picture-perfect right?

Ohhhh, no.

Let me tell you the truth about “my kind”.

Our outer appearance typically lacks balance with our internal struggle.

For some odd reason, us anxiety- prone people also tend to be “taker on-ers”. Don’t ask me why, we just are.

It could be our pride, people-pleasing attributes, irrational fear, false guilt, or whatever the case, our lives can get pretty heavy in an instant. We pile “yeses” on top of “yeses” out of an unbalanced mix of genuine concern and fear. Fear that we aren’t good enough, that we might hurt someone’s feelings, or fear we may look bad if we don’t overachieve.

The very thing that makes us anxious-having too much on our plate, is the very thing we do to ourselves-sign up for everything under the sun.

On top of all of that, we add a heaping second helping of fear to all that we avoid or anything that could happen. After all, this world is a scary place. This isn’t our home!  

Why, dear friends, do we give so much power to anxiety? And if you don’t want to label it anxiety…why do we give so much power to people, or to our circumstances, or to fear?

God’s word says in 2 Timothy 1:7:

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

 

This means that whatever fears we are facing, whenever we are anxious, or whatever irrational thoughts we might have – they are simply not from God. How do I know this? His words says so. He does not give us the spirit of fear.

But, what He does give us are extremely valuable tools-

Power.
Love.
A Sound Mind.

Do these words stabilize you as much as they do me? You see, these tools need to be used in order for them to be useful. If we hand over these tools for anxiety, worry, and fear, our jobs are not going to be done. God’s work will be done, it just won’t be done though us- someone else will be willing. We may look as though we’re busy, but honestly we are creating wreckage. There’s only so much that wreckage can do and only so long wreckage can go on.

Our power? Gone.
Our love? Gone.
Our sound mind? Out the window.
We loose it.
We simply cannot function the way God wills us to function if we hand over these gifts for wreckage!

Ladies, I encourage you right now to write down the name of someone or something you are handing over power to in your life.

It may be a person you’re avoiding, therefore you’ve rerouted your daily living so not to run into this person. Stop it. Live your life with God’s power and tools. 

Are you afraid to fly? Has this fear blocked you from traveling to your dream destination, visiting family from afar, or taking that missions trip you so desperately want to go on? Stop it. While I can validate your fear, I can also validate the chances of anything happening to you are very slim and are not worth living in fear over. Live your life with God’s power and tools.  

What about relationships? Have you been so emotionally wounded that you’ve surrounded yourself with walls, even blocking out Jesus? Did I just say Jesus? Yes, I did. Often times when people are hurting, they even shut out Jesus. Stop it. I get it, I’ve been hurt as well, but in order to make an eternal impact on those around you, you’ve got to let those walls come down and let love cover. You’re going to get hurt, plain and simple. Live your life with God’s power and tools. 

Anxiety. If we give it power, it will take it. The key is to accept the power God gives us through His spirt and to stop giving power to our emotions. 

I will leave you with this biblical truth:

“We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. ” ~2 Corinthians 10:5

Anxiety gets its power from our obedience to it. Let’s give God his power back in our lives. Let’s live our lives with God’s power and tools.

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He Goes Before Us.

July 28, 2015 · by · 10 Comments

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“The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” ~Deuteronomy 31:8

The weather was beautiful- a perfect day to go boating.

My children had never been boating before- let alone tubing, but today was the day. Our friends invited us out for an eventful afternoon of wind-seeking and water-splashing adventure -we were thrilled to live it up.

Our son was first to go – he nodded excitedly as the “Captain” explained the hand motions of tubing. “Thumbs up if you want to go faster, O.K. hand gesture if you want to live right there, and cut throat if you want to stop.”

Got it?
Got it.

Away our son fell into the tube with his bigger-than-life -vest on and an anticipatory smile that became infectious to the entire crew.

And off we went. A jerk of the rope and watchful eyes.

His thumb was sky-high, that smile was glued on, it was smooth and speedy sailing the entire time.

After about 15 mins, our daughter asked if she could have a turn. So, we cut throat and reeled our son in and sent out our youngest on her way.

Again, a jerk of the rope, watchful eyes, a huge smile and off we went.

Thumb up.

I sat next to the “Captain” and giggled “She still has her thumb up, she wants to go faster.” He replied, “Oh, I know she does but there are some boats up ahead making some waves – I don’t want her to get knocked off, I’m going to keep it right here.”

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I turned my head back to her and smiled adoringly.  Her grimacing water-sprayed face and her little thumb sticking up, just waiting for more speed upon request. However, that request was not going to be fulfilled.

Easy, girl. We’re going to live right here for now. “The Captain” sees something you do not.

Amazing how God speaks to us when we least expect it.

I wonder how many times I’ve had my thumbs up and ready to go, while God- seeing something that I couldn’t , said “No. Live right here.”

But, he answered that prayer for others? I don’t understand.

I bet that’s exactly how our daughter felt when saw her brother go before her and had smooth sailing with this thumbs-up request answered.

I wonder how many times I’ve been disappointed when I see other’s prayers being answered, but my prayers weren’t, only to have been protected by the hands of my Lord… my Captain, who promises to go before me.

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Filed Under: Devotionals, Finding Comfort · Tagged: ,

Strawberry-Orange Water

July 27, 2015 · by · Leave a Comment


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Hi Ladies, the other day I posted on the Comfy FB page that I’ve been having a hard time drinking enough water. Many days than I care to admit I drink more coffee and diet pop than I do water. This has to stop.

Not too long ago when I was a guest at my sister-in-law’s house, she had this refreshing strawberry-orange infused water sitting out -I literally drank 4 glasses in a row because it was so delicious.

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That’s all that it is…sliced oranges, sliced strawberries, water and ice. I recently started making this in a large water pitcher so to add more water into my daily routine.

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Ahhh…

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When I was browsing the web, I realized Bembu also shares many more infused-water recipes that help not only with hydration, but also with detoxing! Place infused water in mason jars with lids to have refreshing and healthy drink options readily available in your fridge!

Here’s a quick video from the Doc that I’d like to share about how much water we should be drinking. Gulp. He even mentions for us to try to water our plants with coffee and see what happens. That put things into perspective for me and encouraged me to drink more H2O!


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Drink up! 

Dear Lord, Thank you for supplying so many of us with water in abundance. I  know that I personally take this for granted. In turn, many people in third world nations have to walk miles in dangerous terrain to get a bucket full of unsanitary water. Please help us, in fortunate places, see how blessed we truly are and give us the means to help those who don’t have water that is easily accessible. In Jesus name, Amen. 

 

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Taco Tuesday Meal Ministry

July 21, 2015 · by · 5 Comments

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One of my children’s favorite dinner-nights-of-the-week is “Taco Tuesdays”. This particular night we decided to bless an additional family with a meal ministry and made a little extra. It was a very simple way not only to provide a meal, but love and care for a family that has been hurting.

I pray you will take this idea and make “Taco Tuesday” a fun day for your family and a family in need as well.
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Ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning. I also use ground turkey for a healthier choice.

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Shredded cheese and lettuce in ziplock bags…

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Homemade salsa is such a treat.

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Meal ministry has to have a dessert, right? Especially if there are kiddos involved.

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Add tortillas and chips and you’re off to fiesta!

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One thing I’ve learned about meal ministry is to always- I mean always– make the same meal I have made for others, for my own family. I want my family to know that they are my priority, yet it is so important to be the hands and feet of Christ for others.

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Grilled Pocket Potatoes

July 19, 2015 · by · Leave a Comment

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This quick, easy and delicious way to prepare red potatoes on the grill will leave you feeling spoiled!  Side dishes, especially potatoes, can take a while to cook or bake… but not these spuds. Keep this recipe in your back pocket! It’s a keeper.

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Quarter red potatoes and lay a handful on a square of foil. Dot with butter and sprinkle with dry Italian dressing mix. Close up pockets tightly and grill on medium heat for 20 mins, turning half way through.

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The outcome? Perfectly grilled and seasoned potatoes (with an oven to spare for other sides or desserts). Enjoy!

Grilled Pocket Potatoes
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 12 Red potatoes
  • 1 Stick of butter, sliced
  • 1-2 Pouches Good Seasons Italian Dressing mix
  • 6 Squares of foil for making pockets
Instructions
  1. Wash and quarter potatoes placing about 2 potatoes each on foil squares.
  2. Dot with butter and sprinkle with seasoning.
  3. Close tightly and place pockets on grill for 10 mins, flip then 10 mins more.

 

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Filed Under: Comfy In My Jeans, Cooking For A Crowd, Food Allergy Friendly, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Sides · Tagged: , , ,

Renewing Our Minds

July 18, 2015 · by · Leave a Comment

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Hi Ladies,

I have a very special guest today who shares my love for meal ministry. Katie never ceases to amaze me with her love for the Lord and for those around her. She has used her testimony to introduce others to Christ and to encourage them to lead healthier lives by offering healthier alternatives. She has such a contagious smile and welcoming demeanor. If you don’t know her already, I have a feeling you will love her just as much as I do.

Katie says:

The Bible tells us in Romans 12:2 that we should not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but that we should be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

When I began to apply the truths of this powerful scripture to my own life, I finally began to see true transformation that turned my life around. I went from living a life that was bound and limited, to one that was free from the restrictions that once held me back.

If you are desiring a transformation in any area of your life, I would encourage you to begin by asking yourself three general questions.

1. First, ask yourself the question: How do you see yourself?

The Bible says in Proverbs 23:7 says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” This means that it doesn’t matter how much we try to change the outside, what we believe about ourselves and how we see ourselves on the inside will ultimately be what we become on the outside.

I would encourage you to start this journey by getting alone with God, and ask Him to show you any areas that you may be believing lies and to help you see yourself as He sees you!

2. How do we begin to see ourselves as God sees us?

In order to start to see ourselves as God sees us, we have to start to reading and trusting what God says about us in His Word. A great place to start is Ephesians 2:10, which says, “We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” This means that God created each one of us with a unique purpose! Even more specifically, God gave each one of us gifts, talents, and strengths to fulfill this purpose.

I would encourage you to start asking yourself; What are your God-given gifts and strengths? For example, do you have a servant’s heart? Are you compassionate? Are you an encourager? Begin by asking the Lord to show you the things that He has placed on the inside of you that make you special and unique. Write these things down and choose to focus on these things daily.

Ask the Lord to develop these qualities within you and to give you the desire to bless others with them. When you start to focus on living your life to bless others with your God given gifts, I can promise you that you will begin to see the world around you through God’s eyes and it will take your eyes off any negative thought pattern that used to plaque you. Not only that, but you will begin to leave a lasting impression on others and impact those around you in a powerful way!

3. How do we transform our minds with God’s Word?

Joshua 1:8 says, “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” If we want to be transformed from the inside out, this scripture tells us that the most important thing we could do is spend time in God’s Word every day and to do what it says! This doesn’t mean that we can read the Bible once a week or once every few days and expect to be radically changed. The key word in Joshua 1:8 is continually!

We can see in the second part of this passage that we are to meditate in the Word day and night. The meditate means to think upon, or to ponder. When we spend time reading the Bible each morning, we can pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help us stay focused on the truths of those scriptures all throughout the day, which is actually a form of meditation! Not only will this type of meditation lead to true peace and joy, but it will bring you to a place where you will find true transformation that comes from the inside out.

A renewed mind brings transformation!

Renewing your mind is certainly a process, and it generally takes a period of time to uproot lies and plant the truth of God’s Word… But when you do, there is a transformation that takes place that is so beautiful and freeing!

A renewed mind also doesn’t mean a life free from problems or negative thoughts… we are all bound to have days where the enemy will try to come back and tempt us with lies. The difference, however, will be that we will be able to recognize the lies and combat them with the truths of God’s word, which means we won’t fall prey to the same deceptions that we used to!

One thing is for sure, in this life we will all face trials, but when we surrender them to the Lord, He can take our broken hearts, thoughts, and lives, and transform them into something beautiful!

Prayer for a transformed mind:

“Father, I pray that you would search my heart and mind and show me any area that is not in agreement with what you say about me in your Word. Help me to see the gifts and strengths are that you have placed on the inside of me, and help me to use them for your glory. I pray that as I study your Word that it would come alive to me, and that you would help me to find truths that would replace any lies that I have been believing. I pray for your Spirit to strengthen me, and to help me discern any lies that would come at me from the enemy and to replace them with your truth. Lord, I ask that you would transform me from the inside out, and that you would help me to become all that you created me to be. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Katie-Farrell-Dashing-Dish-Blog
Katie Farrell is the founder of Dashing Dish, a website that provides delicious healthy alternatives for the foods you crave. Katie is also a Christian wife, a licensed nurse, and the author of  the books Dashing Dish and Devotions for a Healthier You. For more about her story, please visit her here.

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Filed Under: Comfy In My Jeans, Devotionals, Finding Comfort, Uncategorized ·

10 Thoughtful Meal Ministry Ideas

July 16, 2015 · by · 10 Comments


 

 

There’s no doubt that meal ministry is a blessing.

I’ve seen the look of gratitude from the eyes of many new moms, those who are mourning, those who are healing…and those who Just. Need. A. Break.

Making someone a meal is faith in action, it’s loving, it’s helpful, and it’s healing. My heart’s deepest desire-and I believe yours is as well,  is to find ways to serve these special individuals in the best way possible…
so that the blessing of a meal is truly a blessing.

Let me explain…

Here are 10 Thoughtful Meal Ministry Ideas… to bless them best: 

1. Ask Questions! If you are heading up a “Take Them a Meal” schedule, be very specific in your instructions at the top of the invite. Make sure to ask the family if they have allergies, are on a certain diet, their likes, and dislikes. You certainly don’t want to make a peanut butter pie for a family with a child who has a peanut allergy. Now, this would be with very good intentions, but in the end not the blessing you wanted them to have.

2. Schedule Meals Every Other Day: After years of planning meals, I’ve noticed a common thread…”Janelle, I appreciate these meals so much, but can you change delivery to every other day instead of every day? My refrigerator is overflowing with leftovers that we have not had enough time to eat”. When our family experienced a death, one of my friends set up a Take them a Meal asking me what dates we would be home and how many meals we needed during that time. It was so helpful and appreciated. 

3. Use Throw-Away Containers: Your recipient will be so relieved he/she doesn’t have to clean-up and find you later to return your dish. Not long ago one of my friends mentioned she had a huge “lost and found” pile of dishes. She was going through way too much in life to remember who they belonged to and felt bad she couldn’t return them. If you do, by chance, have to make and take in a dish you need back, put your name on it and let your recipient know he/she can leave it on his/her porch the next day and you will pick it up.  

4. Offer Your Recipient “Cooler Service”: Families in mourning might prefer to set a cooler outside their front door for meals to be placed in rather than to answer the door.  There are times in our lives when we are struggling so badly, we have no conversation to offer…or when we just don’t have the energy to clean our home and opening it up to a stranger {or even someone we know} is embarrassing.

5. Ask Your Recipient If They Would Rather Have “Take-Out”: Some people are stand- offish about eating food made by someone they don’t know. That’s okay! I would much rather know that so I can bless them in a way they want to be blessed! It’s not about me! Gift cards are also very much appreciated.

This option is great for long-distance meal ministries as well. I will never forget dear Adina from TTAM sending me a meal even though she lives miles away. Find out where your recipient lives and google delivery services around them. Or, you can use services such as A Bowl of Good!

6. Ask Your Recipient If They Would Prefer Freezer Meals: Good stress is still stress…when a new mom is nursing and the door bell is ringing, it can be pretty stressful! Delivering a freezer meal ahead of time {a week before the due date} gives a new mom comfort in knowing a meal is available, but she doesn’t have to open her home to guests if she’s trying to get acclimated with her baby’s routine. 

7. Order a Pizza on a Friday Night! Friday nights are our family’s fun nights! I remember coming home with our 3rd baby and a sweet neighbor ordered us a pizza and made us dessert. 

8. Add a Tidbit Tray For the Week:  When you deliver a meal, add cut up fruits, veggies, meats and cheeses in a separate container. This will be a convenient treat for the family to snack on throughout the week.

9. Add a Breakfast Casserole:  Take over a pizza on a Friday night and a breakfast casserole to bake for the next morning. Two meals in one! 

10. Make a “Grown-Up Meal and a Kid’s Meal“: It happens in a lot of families…the kids don’t have the same taste buds as the adults do. I do this especially when a child is the focus of the meal ministry…what child doesn’t smile when he sees dirt pudding?

Thank you to all of you who pour your hearts, time and energy into making meals for those who need them. When I wrote this post I kept thinking of the familiar quote “Good, Better, Best..never let it rest, until your good is better and your better is best”. All meal ministries are  a “good thing”, but being sensitive to our recipients needs will take our ministry from better to best.

Thanks again and keep serving, my Friends!
Love to you, Janelle

P.S. What are some helpful ideas that you have to share? I would love to hear them.

 

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Filed Under: Finding Comfort, Meal Ministry, Uncategorized · Tagged: , , ,

Just Show Up

July 15, 2015 · by · 3 Comments

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Hi Ladies, this post is very near and dear to my heart. Please welcome my friend, Melissa and her very touching post.

Melissa writes:

We’ve all seen them in our facebook newsfeed…

Heartbreaking posts from someone who has lost a loved one or diagnosed with cancer or enduring financial hardship, or painful divorce…the list goes on. And as women, we deeply desire to comfort these broken hearts through words.

But can I honestly say, there is one repeated comment I see on facebook…over and over again. I cringe when I see it. And then I cringe again.

“Let me know if you need anything.”

Just typing it makes me squeamish.

Have I ever told a hurting person this in the past? Unfortunately yes. But I have learned through my own trials a better way to comfort.

Three years ago, I was struggling through one of the worst times of my life. (details for a future post) I was physically, mentally, and emotionally unable to function. Going down to a weight of 100 pounds, I had to take a 4 month sabbatical from my counseling job and was unable to care for my 3 small children without constant outside help from family and friends.

For a high functioning, dependable woman who had worked since 11 years old, I can not begin to express how painfully discouraging my inability to quickly “pick myself” up was at this point.

On a Saturday afternoon I was staring out my window, (I did a lot of staring those days) I watched an unrecognized car pull in my driveway. It was Sherry, our secretary, who lived in the town nearby. When I opened the door she lovingly explained, “Melissa, I was out picking blueberries with my grandchildren and I wanted to bring some to you for your kids. They are already washed.”

They were already washed.

Tears are running down my face as I type– thinking about that white colander of washed berries, ready to set on my table for my children to eat. Because of my health, standing at my kitchen sink washing fruit was a chore…yes a chore. I am sure there many of you that can relate. So those washed blueberries were very meaningful to this mama.

That life touching experience taught me a very significant life lesson….
JUST SHOW UP.

Too many times, we wait for a struggling person to ask for help. They may need someone to help put laundry away or take their children for a few hours so they can rest. Unfortunately, their mental and physical energy may be too low to be able assign us to these needed tasks. Or they may not want to feel like a burden or even know what they need. That’s why we just have to SHOW UP, look around and offer to do what’s needed without being asked.

Are there some people who are very private and possibly offended by help? Yes. And we want to respect their boundaries.

But who could seriously be angry at a plate of brownies or a pot of soup? My bet–they’ll be grateful.

Here are some simple ways to help a struggling person in their day-to-day life.

  • Take them a meal- it doesn’t have to be fancy!
  • Drop off some groceries
  • Walk their dog
  • Take their kids for a few hours
  • Cut their grass or weed flower beds
  • Fold laundry
  • Clean dishes in their sink
  • Offer to run errands for them
  • Drop off a cup of their favorite coffee
  • Make a fruit and veggie tray for their kids.

I know this post is not necessarily about overcoming a specific hardship. But I hope this post can offer to each of you a purpose in your suffering–to learn how to comfort others. (2 Cor 1:4, Gal. 6:2)

Please share any additional ideas how to help others or even share with us how someone “showed up” for you.

Melissa

10857878_10152779535981645_5899787544918077_nMelissa is a Christian, a Pastor’s wife, a homeschool momma of three beautiful children and a Licensed Counselor. Her greatest joy is to spread the Gospel of Jesus and share His love by comforting others… in her job and every day life.

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Filed Under: Devotionals, Finding Comfort, Meal Ministry · Tagged:

3 Questions to Help Calm the Chaos

July 14, 2015 · by · 2 Comments

 

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“When my world is shaking, heaven stands. When my heart is breaking.
I never leave your hands.” ~ JJ Heller

Chaos. It can come on strong and can even take us under if we let it.

The truth is that the very definition of chaos- utter confusion and disorder, is the exact opposite of who Our Lord is. 1 Corinthians 14:33 states:

“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

Dear Sister, let’s combat this issue together with God’s word. When I feel chaos coming I ask myself these very questions and I challenge you to do the same.

1. Is What I’m Worried About Rational?

“But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.”
~2 Timothy 2:23

I don’t know about you, but there have been many times when I’ve become consumed with “what- if thinking”. My mind can brilliantly take me to imaginary places where I don’t belong, places God warns me about in His Word. Borrowed troubles that I just don’t have the mental capacity to adopt, mainly because they just weren’t meant for me. Have you done this too? If so, ask yourself if it is a reasonable concern. Is there evidence that I need to take this on in my life? Am I speculating or am I facing the facts? Cut out anything that does not need to be there.

2. What Can I Take Off My Plate?

“If the Lord does not build a house, then those who build it work in vain.”
~Psalm 127

The epidemic of “yes” when we should have said “let me pray about it” or perhaps even a straight out “no, thank you” is running rampant. Often times what we need to take off our plates is something we should have never scooped up and dished on to begin with. It’s ok to say no. It’s also ok to be honest and let others know that you took on too much and need to step back.

Life will still go on if you aren’t able to be a room mom, or make homemade meals every night or if you need to live out of your laundry baskets until your children are 18.

Keep in mind that the fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23). Anything that threatens your fruit, isn’t fruit! If adding one more thing to your list causes you to loose it- it’s a weed in disguise. 

 

3. Where Do My Boundaries Need Established?

“In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there. Simon and his companions searched for Him; they found Him, and said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” He said to them, “Let us go somewhere else to the towns nearby, so that I may preach there also; for that is what I came for.” Mark 1:35-38

It’s a beautiful and encouraging thought to know that even Jesus had to set boundaries in order to do what he was set out to do. So often I am reminded that I need to “bring it on in”. My boundaries can seemingly extend from the Mid-West to the Middle East. It just isn’t what God wants here. I am not made to be a very wide and walked on doormat, I am made to be a vessel.

This is something that many in ministry struggle with, and is often times the culprit for “burn out.” If I am thinking rationally, I know that that if my boundaries aren’t clear in my own mind, they aren’t going to be clear in anyone else’s.

When my boundaries are wide, I make myself an open target for chaos.

Again, bring it in, Sister. Draw a line in the sand and stick to it, by doing this it will do you and everyone around you a favor. In turn, “Burn out” does nothing for anyone.

Dear friends, I hope and pray that by asking yourselves these questions you can be released from some of the bondage of chaos and go on living a life of freedom. Remember, if you are living in chaos -it is not God’s will. We live in a fallen world, but take heart that wherever you are, no matter what you’re going through, our Savior is the Prince of Peace and He is always with you.

But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!”
~Matthew 14:30-32

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5 Simple Ways to Manage Stress

July 12, 2015 · by · 1 Comment

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Hi Ladies, we have a special guest today! Katina will be talking about something I know many of us struggle with…stress. It can come on quickly and keep us captive for a lot longer than we want, can’t it? Here are some ways to help manage it when it creeps up on us…please welcome my dear friend, Katina.

Katina Writes:

Stress.

We all know that word.

Some people know it a little more than others. But in the end, we’ve all experienced some degree of stress at different points in our lives. Some days I am able to diffuse it better than others. But then there are the days where the stress is so great that I feel like someone literally set a one-hundred pound weight on my shoulders. There was one particular day recently where I had completely come undone because I had allowed the stress of the previous two weeks to accumulate. I woke up that morning with such a heavy spirit. And then my day started unraveling before me…and it just got worse and worse. I came to a point where I was not liking my behavior….and I knew in that moment that I had a choice.

Do I continue on with this stress and negativity—or do I think about ways that I can get out of this whirlwind of emotions that has pulled me under?

I took a deep breath and made a decision to not let this stress control me any longer. These are the five things that I chose to do in that moment, and….wow…they powerfully transformed my heart and my mind.

 

  1. Ask someone for prayer and encouragement. This might be one of the hardest things to do because it requires vulnerability. You also have to be wise with who you ask because you don’t want that person to “add fuel to the fire”. When someone is interceding for you and giving you encouraging words and verses…it is so very, very powerful.   “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” ~James 5:16

 

  1. Spend time in His Word. We all know that we should be doing this, but sometimes, our emotions and stresses are so high that we feel very frazzled and don’t know what to read in that moment. That’s okay. Don’t wait until you are feeling calm to open up your bible. Come as you are. He will guide you and speak to your heart. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” ~Matthew 11:28

 

  1. Get on your knees and talk to Him. Call out to God in prayer…ask Him to change your heart and your attitude. He loves you so very much. “Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” ~1 Peter 5:7

 

  1. Put on praise and worship music. Ohh, this is so very powerful and transforms my attitude almost immediately. I use the Pandora app on my phone and have it set to the praise and worship radio station so that I can access it pretty quickly. “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him; bless his name.” ~Psalm 100:4

 

  1. Choose an activity that will calm your spirit. We all have different activities that help us to de-stress. Some people enjoy exercising; some enjoy making crafts….for me, it is a hot bubble bath. Whatever it is, choose something that will help to relax your body. “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” ~Psalm 23:2-3

 

Friends, there will be stressful moments where we don’t have the time to do all of these, and that’s okay. Choose one or two of them, or whatever is fitting to your situation. Once you start doing these actions more consistently, you will be able to diffuse your stress and it will become a natural response!

 

Blessings~

Katina

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Katina is a Christian wife, mom and licensed nurse. Her ministry is event planning for her church and other christian organizations and blogs. Additionally, you can find her sharing encouraging posts, crafting ideas and organizational tips here on Finding Comfort at Comfy in the Kitchen.

 

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Breakfast Banana Splits

July 11, 2015 · by · 4 Comments

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One of my children’s favorite things to order at the old fashioned ice cream parlor downtown is a banana split. There’s something in the name that brings a joyful mood, isn’t there? And better yet- there are some healthy things going on in that sundae!


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Yesterday morning, I decided it was time to make this naturally gluten-free treat into a breakfast dish.  Good golly did it go over well. The kiddos were SO excited to see this concoction when they woke up!

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Simply slice a banana lengthwise, add strawberry yogurt, strawberries, blueberries, a handful of granola (GF if you are sneezy) and melt 2 Tbsp of peanut butter and drizzle.

Fruit-check. Protein-check. Dairy-check. Carbs-check. Deliciousness-double check.

Glutenous-Minimus? Check!

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It called for a breakfast picnic.

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Mission accomplished.

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Breakfast Banana Splits
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 4 bananas
  • 1 cup strawberries
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1 cup strawberry yogurt
  • 1 cup granola (GF or not)
  • 2 Tbsp melted peanut butter
Instructions
  1. Slice bananas lengthwise
  2. Spoon on yogurt to each one
  3. Top with blueberries, strawberries and granola.
  4. Drizzle with melted peanut butter

 

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Filed Under: Breakfast, Comfy In My Jeans, Dessert, Food Allergy Friendly, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Kiddos · Tagged: ,

When I Forgot to Share The Gospel

July 10, 2015 · by · 2 Comments

 

Gospel

Ohhhh, Friends. Isn’t it in the smallest things that we find the greatest “ah haa moments” ?

Just yesterday, I asked my son to clean his room. As most ten year olds do, he bantered back and forth with me, “Maaaaaa, it’s summmmmer”, and “Maaaa, I cleaned my room yesterday!” Finally, when I mentioned the upcoming consequence, he begrudgingly ran upstairs, shut the door, and from my knowledge did what he was supposed to do.

About an hour later, I heard him running down the stairs and in all excitement, approached me with his hand outstretched and a smile on his face… “Mom, look at what I made for you!”

Lo and behold there it was- a marvelously handmade “Starburst ” rainbow loom bracelet that he had been trying to master for weeks. First, I told him how beautiful it was and thanked him, then I walked up the stairs, opened up his door, and peered into a room that hadn’t been cleaned.

I yelled down to my son, and asked him to come upstairs. I questioned him why he didn’t clean up his room, like I had asked. He replied, “Mom, I was too busy making you a bracelet.” I looked at him and said, “Grant, I love that you made me this bracelet, but you weren’t obedient to what I wanted you to do. You served me the way you wanted to serve me, rather than doing what I asked.”

Then I stopped dead in my tracks.

How many times have I served God the way I wanted, rather than the way He wanted?

The last thing I want to do is to enter heaven to have God say,

“Janelle, that was a delicious meal you made for your neighbors, but did you share with them the Gospel with them?”

“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’ ” ~Mark 16:15

I can think of a ton of other ways I have served the Lord. They are all good, but are they replacing what he has called me to do or are they in addition to what he was called me to do?

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and that is a gift of God- not by works so that no one can boast.” ~ Ephesians 2:8:9

I will leave you with this….

Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, a life we are all incapable of living. He died for our sins on the cross and rose so that we could have eternal life. All we have to do is admit that we are sinners and put our faith into what He did for us. We will mess up, we will not ever be perfect, nothing we do will ever earn our salvation- just what He did. One day every tongue will confess… He is God.

The Gospel:

“Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.  By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,  that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
~1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Love to you,

Janelle

 

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Orange Creamsicle Floats

July 9, 2015 · by · Leave a Comment

Orange CreamsicleI’ve always wanted to be the house with the ice cold lemonade –the kind in a giant plastic pitcher. The house that greeted children with homemade warm chocolate chip cookies. The house that said “welcome” without having to say a word.

While all of the above have done just fine in the hospitality department, I’ve found a pretty easy way to WOW the “tweens” in my life these days….(goodness, are they growing up).

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and it’s with a simple orange float.

Ya’ve got to make them in mason jars with straws-for some reason they taste better that way. It’s the experience- don’t ask. 

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Mmmm….rich vanilla ice cream.

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topped with Sunkist Orange *pop. It tastes JUST like an orange creamsicle.

*Pop=soda in the Midwest. hehe. Enjoy!!!

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Orange Creamsicle Floats
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 1 gallon vanilla ice cream
  • 1 2 liter Sunkist Orange Pop
Instructions
  1. Scoop ice cream into mason jars.
  2. Pour orange pop over top.
  3. Insert straw.
  4. Enjoy together!

 

 

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Filed Under: Dessert, Food Allergy Friendly, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Kiddos, Meal Ministry ·

Best Ever Greek Salad with Homemade Citrus Vinaigrette

July 4, 2015 · by · Leave a Comment

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It’s the 4th of July and we are headed over to a dear friend’s house (Mem’s) for a picnic! I’m bringing the salad and I must say it looks delicious. My personal favorite, actually. For some reason, I can never pass up a good, fresh, Greek salad- especially with Feta. Everything tastes betta with Feta- wouldn’t you agree?

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Such a lonely dish of Romaine….

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Muuuuuch betta. Hehe.

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Topped with thinly sliced red onion, quartered cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, dried cranberries, Feta cheese and fresh ground pepper.

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The dressing is equal parts of olive oil and apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp lemon zest and the juice from 1 lemon, salt, pepper, garlic powder and 1 Tbsp sugar. I thought I’d show you that I save my Olive Oil jars for homemade dressings, so don’t throw those bottles away! Repurpose!

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Enjoy!

Best Ever Greek Salad with Homemade Citrus Vinaigrette
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 Heads Romain – Rinsed, squeezed (get that water out) and torn into bite-sized pieces.
  • 1/4 Red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 Cucumber peeled and cut into quarters
  • 1/2 Cup Cherry tomatoes cut in half
  • 1 Jar Kalamata olives
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 8 oz container Feta cheese
  • Fresh ground pepper
  • Dressing:
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp lemon zest, juice from 1 lemon, salt, pepper, garlic powder, 1 Tbsp sugar. Shake it up.
Instructions
  1. Combine all salad ingredients into a 9×13- why? It’s just easier to get all the ingredients into one bowl that way. A big salad bowl leaves you with just lettuce at the bottom. Toss with dressing.

 

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Filed Under: Comfy In My Jeans, Cooking For A Crowd, Food Allergy Friendly, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Salads ·

Double Chocolate Cupcakes with Brownie Batter Frosting/Brownie Garnish

June 29, 2015 · by · 5 Comments

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I’m going to say it until I’m blue in the face…it’s not the recipe, it’s the memories that go along with the recipe. This particular recipe brings a smile to my face because it was shared celebrating with friends who I don’t get to see very often. These women strengthen me, make me laugh, keep me grounded, and they like to eat cupcakes. I like women to say yes to dessert, you know what I’m talking about- I know you do.

So we had a bloggy conference a couple weeks ago and it happened to be our dear friend Mandy Young’s birthday. I asked her what her favorite kind of cake was and she said she actually preferred brownies (thata girl) so, as a fan of “Cupcake Wars” I thought I would try to mix the two. But, low and behold there was a recipe out there that did just that- a huge shout out to Your Cup of Cake ! My friends said these were the best cupcakes they have EVER had! Wohoooo!!!

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I love to “doctor” up cake mixes – the best way to do it is to add sour cream. I knew this recipe was going to be a winner when I saw this method being used. This is 1 box Devil’s Food Cake, 1/2 cup melted butter, 3 eggs, 2 tsp vanilla, 3/4 cup milk, 1/2 cup sour cream and 1 cup mini chocolate chips.

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And a professional stirrer and licker of the bowl.

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As you can see these ingredients instead of using the boxed ingredients make for a denser batter, thus denser cupcake. This is called yum.

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More chocolate= more yum.

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To get your cupcakes portioned evenly, use a cookie scoop. This also helps eliminate any mess spilling onto the cupcake pan.


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Bake in a cupcake pan for approximately 15 mins or until set. Remember, they will continue cooking a couple mins longer. Let cool a couple mins, then place in the refrigerator.

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This homemade brownie batter butter cream is amazing. You make your brownie garnish by making brownies with 1/2 the brownie mix and halving the ingredients of course. Then you take the other half of the mix and mix it right into the frosting.

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It’s butter, brownie mix, unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla, milk and powdered sugar that makes this frosting amazing.

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I bought the most beautiful pink color flame candles- I didn’t realize how pretty they would be! And I used cute Wilton flower cupcake cups. Mandy loves her pink! hehe.

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Happy Birthday Dear Friend!!!

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My Buddies from left to right: Katina, Mandy, Summer, Clare, Courtney, Darlene, Ruth and Karen. Love you girls!!! So, here you have it- HERE is the experience….all cuddled up with brownie cupcakes in our bellies and a song in our heart.

It’s such a blessing- that “meal ministry”.

Double Chocolate Cupcakes with Brownie Batter Frosting/Brownie Garnish
Author: Your Cup of Cake
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 24
Ingredients
  • 1 box Devil’s Food Cake Mix
  • 1/2 C. melted butter (or oil)
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 3/4 C. milk
  • 1/2 C. sour cream
  • 1 C. mini chocolate chips
  • Brownie Batter Frosting:
  • 1 C. butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 C. brownie mix, dry (from the box)
  • 1/3 C. unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2 Tbsp. milk, more if needed
  • 2-3 C. powdered sugar
  • Brownie garnish (Make 1/2 brownie mix according to package instructions) You can either crumble the brownies and place on top, or cut a small brownie and place on top. Your choice.
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line pan with cupcake liners.
  2. In a large bowl add cake mix, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, milk and sour cream. Mix well.
  3. Stir in mini chocolate chips.
  4. Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full with a cookie dough scoop. Bake for about 15 mins.
  5. Let cool and place in refrigerator
  6. Brownie Batter Frosting: Beat butter. Add brownie mix, cocoa powder, vanilla and milk and beat again. Slowly add in powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. You can add more milk if it becomes too thick, but remember the butter in the frosting will soften even more, so a little thick isn’t a bad thing.
  7. Pipe onto cooled cupcakes and top with brownie pieces and sprinkles.

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Filed Under: Cooking For A Crowd, Dessert · Tagged: , ,

Amazing… what a little time with friends can do.

June 26, 2015 · by · 2 Comments

Part of a new series under “Finding Comfort” @ Comfy in the Kitchen. 

A picture of four friends enjoying their time in spa with facial masks over white background

One of my very dear friends paid me a visit just the other day. She’s the kind of friend who always fills my soul with joy. Each time we’re together I leave her feeling better having just been around her. Jesus talk. Bantering, belly laughing, and making light. That’s what we do.

So, the other day were outside just rocking on the front porch, talking. Of course, bird watching was also involved- it’s a favorite past time of mine and she bears with me. She turned to me and said,

“Nelle, I’ve been a little distant lately and I want to apologize. I’ve been pouring myself out so much to everyone that I just don’t have a lot left these days. I feel like I have nothing else to give.”

At that moment, I could tell by the look on her face how unnecessarily insecure she felt as a friend. But, the thought never came to my mind that she was being distant. So, I told her the truth.

“You don’t have to do anything for me, solve any of my problems, or help me in any way. Just sitting here on the porch with me and laughing about nothing at all is more than enough.”

She makes me feel “comfy in my skin”. Whatever’s going on- It’s all good. I’m still me. 

So often we want to fix things for others, don’t we? When we have a friend who’s in a crisis we tend to gravitate our conversations to the very problem that they might want to detach themselves from. Even if it’s just for a little while- an escape.

Sometimes people who are struggling feel like an elephant in the room and sometimes the very best thing a friend can do for them is just… normalize.

Just be.

So, anyways- after this dear friend left, she called me and told me she left something on the rocking chair outside. I opened the door and there was a white box and a card. The card read…

“Everyone in life should have 2 things: 1. True Friends 2. An emergency chocolate stash.”

That “Do-Gooder” ! She totally ruined my story on just being.

Eh hem…as I was saying.

Ladies, today I just want to encourage you to simply sit beside someone. It truly is amazing what a little time with friends can do.

“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” ~ 2 Corinthians 1:4

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Ice Cream Ministry

June 25, 2015 · by · 4 Comments

 

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Every time we would go over to “Grandma Puppies” house, she would make sure to make the kids an ice cream cone…that was the first thing they would say as they’d run through her doors. “Grandma! Can we have an ice cream cone?!” She’d smile real big, laugh and say, ” Ohhh alright let’s go upstairs and you know the drill.” And they did. They would climb up the counter to get the sprinkles on the top shelf, then reach up into the freezer and get all three flavors out {she always bought them their individual favorites}, then they would open up the refrigerator to get out the whipped cream, syrup, and the cherries. The only things grandma would get were the cones and the “surprise” that went at the bottom. That surprise was a big deal….would it be a gum ball? M & M’s? Hmmmm…..you’d have to eat the whole ice cream cone to find out.

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In this photo, my dear mother-in-law would pass away in just 4 months from stage 4 breast cancer -a battle she fought for 6 years. It was extremely painful for her to walk and she needed assistance to get up the stairs – but it didn’t matter to her. She would have ran a marathon if it meant putting a smile on her grandchildren’s faces.

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She was pretty good at putting smiles on their faces….

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So, I write this with tears streaming down my face…
Fast forward 4 months and we all staying at a beautiful and loving hospice facility. She was in one room, we were in a suite down the hall. What rolls up? These amazing volunteers with an ice cream buffet. Our kids RAN into grandma’s room to tell them the great news. It was so special….words can’t even describe how special. Once again, ice cream placed a smile on our little girl’s face even amidst tragedy.

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These sweet people thought of everything and were so full of joy to give. They told me they did this every Tuesday for the guests and their families.

What a ministry….ice cream.

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Filed Under: Kiddos, Uncategorized ·

Mini Meatloaf (Even more marvelous)

June 19, 2015 · by · 1 Comment

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One of my children’s favorite meals is meatloaf– and let me tell you, it just got better. My dear mom bought me this mini-loaf pan and now the kiddos have their very own mini meatloaves.

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This pan can also make personal banana breads, corn breads, you name it breads. It lessens the baking time and increases the cuteness factor. What more can a Mama ask for?

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Because we were having friends over for dinner this particular evening, we needed to make additional meatloaves. I simply used the pan as a way to portion out the mini loaves and put them in a glass baking dish to bake.

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We had some happy campers!

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This meal features Easy Italian Green Beans , Homemade Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream, and of course…..Marvelous Meatloaf! 

 

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Filed Under: Entrees, Kiddos, Uncategorized ·

He Feeds the Birds of the Air!

June 5, 2015 · by · 2 Comments

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“Mama, I feel bad for that Mommy bird having to sit on her eggs without anything to eat, I bet she’s hungry.” My 6-year-old said with a worried look on her face. Every year a robin builds the most beautiful next under our deck and every year we wonder if there will be 3 or 4 eggs. This year that Mommy bird was busy with 4! I bet she was hungry after all of that building and egg making.

For those of you wondering if Mommy doesn’t come back because we touch the nest- she does. I am a huge bird lover. She yells at me, but she always comes back, hehe. 

I took this opportunity to tell sweet Julia about how God provides. Matthew 6:26 says, “Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?” Amazing to think about how God makes sure the birds of the air are fed and to think we are even more valuable to him…

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“But, Mama…God provides through his people! I really think we should give that Mommy bird some food.” She replied. Those sweet innocent little words spoke to me and made me realize how true her statement was. So often we pray- but we don’t ask God how we can be used. Manna isn’t going to drop this very second- it could, but most likely that Mommy bird was going to have to work for or find her food somewhere. Miss Julia wanted to give her a night off. All Mama’s need a night off, don’t they?

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So….we had a birdie meal ministry that day. I didn’t know what to expect- if Mommy bird would even eat it, but we tried.

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We even left a little on the ledge in case Daddy bird came home from work and was hungry.

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Check that out. Julia was right….

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“But ask the animals, and they will teach you,

or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;

or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,

or let the fish in the sea inform you.

Which of all these does not know

that the hand of the Lord has done this?

~Job 12:7-9

How can God use YOU today?

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Fajita Night!

May 17, 2015 · by · 2 Comments

Fajitanight!

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Hi Ladies! Just wanted to show you a great meal you can make for your family and friends. This is also a great/easy meal for a potluck! Just have your friends bring an item and you will be all set for your fiesta!

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Slice peppers and onions and saute in oil. Season with a bit of salt and pepper.

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Warm up the queso dip! I purchased this kind from Aldi’s (Casa Mamita). Also, warm up some chips!

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Cook refried beans and place them in a warmer (I love this particular warmer for dips).

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Use the meat of your choice, or you can go vegetarian! I marinated chicken breasts in Italian dressing overnight and fired up the grill. That’s my personal favorite way to cook chicken.

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Loving these Wildtree products! The Chipotle Lime Rub is excellent for Mexican meals.

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Mmmm…
Slice meat in strips like so.

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Warm your flour tortillas in the microwave for approximately 1 minute.

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Shred up some cheese…

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And buy or make your own salsa. I really like Little Salad Bar from Aldi’s when I’m in a hurry. Otherwise I make this recipe.

Place all your ingredients out on a spread and enjoy, my friends!

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Eclair Pudding Cake

May 13, 2015 · by · 2 Comments

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This recipe came from my beloved Mother-in-Law…so for our first Mother’s day without her, I made it in her honor. She made this recipe often- it’s so delicious and incredibly easy! She had great taste.

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In a medium bowl whisk together pudding and milk. Place in refrigerator for 5 mins until set.

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Add Cool Whip and fold in…

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Place graham crackers at the bottom of a 9×13.

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Top with pudding mixture. Then repeat those steps one more time.

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Frost the top like so- it seems like it’s going to be a mess, but it turns out!

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Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.

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It seriously tastes just like an Eclair!

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Me with Grandma Ruth <3

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Grandma and mom <3 Thankful for these beautiful women in my life. They too loved my mother-in-law. When families marry one another it’s a beautiful thing.

Eclair Pudding Cake
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • 2 (3.5 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix (Jell-O)
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed (Cool Whip)
  • 1 (16 ounce) package graham crackers
  • 1 (16 ounce) package pre-made chocolate frosting
Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl combine pudding mix and milk. Whisk and refrigerate for 5 mins until set.
  2. Fold in Cool Whip.
  3. Place graham crackers at the bottom of a 9×13.
  4. Add half of pudding mixture.
  5. Then add graham crackers again, then pudding mixture, then graham crackers.
  6. Frost with chocolate frosting.
  7. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight

 

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Baked Spaghetti {Cooking with Kids}

May 1, 2015 · by · 3 Comments

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Lately I’ve been getting a lot of e-mails asking me about how to “cook with kids”…questions ranging from how old, to what recipes, to the mess that inherently happens. This simple, yet delicious recipe is a great one to try with little ones. Both adults and children alike will love the taste of it and it’s “comfy”. Besides, who doesn’t like melted and steaming Mozzarella cheese?

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Place one container of Ricotta cheese in a mixing bowl and add garlic powder. Yes, you may use cottage cheese- mix with handheld mixer until smooth.

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Shred mozzarella  cheese.

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Typically I would make Grandma Ruth’s Sauce, but today for simplicity I used this Aldi’s brand sauce- it’s very good!

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Add sauce to the bottom of a 9×13.

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Ok, little Miss Julia…time for your favorite part! Crack 2 eggs in a bowl and beat well.

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After your spaghetti noodles are cooked al dente, drain and rinse with cold water to stop them from cooking. Then add the 2 eggs like so and toss to coat.

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Layer noodles and ricotta cheese mixture on top…

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Then add your mozzarella cheese and repeat…

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Here’s the “mess”, but I like to call it “the creative process”…

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Ready to bake in a 375 oven for 40 mins!

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Mmmmmmm…..
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“Julia Cam” moments…

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*I think I know who will be the next “Comfy in the Kitchen” blogger!

Baked Spaghetti {Cooking with Kids}
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 10
Ingredients
  • 1 box spaghetti noodles (serves 8)
  • 1 container of Ricotta cheese
  • 2 bricks of Mozzarella cheese
  • 1-2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 jars of spaghetti sauce
  • 2 eggs
Instructions
  1. Preheat Oven to 375
  2. Boil spaghetti noodles to al dente, rinse with cold water and drain.
  3. Crack two eggs and beat well then toss the egg mixture, coating the noodles.
  4. Place ricotta cheese in a mixing bowl and add garlic powder, mix well.
  5. Cover the bottom of a 9×13 with spaghetti sauce.
  6. Add 1/2 of your noodles.
  7. Dolup with ricotta cheese.
  8. Spinkle 1/2 mozzarella cheese over top.
  9. Add sauce and repeat layers ending with mozzarella.
  10. Cover with foil and bake for 40 mins until bubbling.

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Filed Under: Cooking For A Crowd, Entrees, Kiddos, Uncategorized · Tagged: ,

Creamy Crockpot Pork Chops

April 28, 2015 · by · 4 Comments

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I found this delicious recipe at my local butcher’s store (shout out to Duma’s Meats! I love ya!) These Chops are officially called “Melinda’s Pork Chops” and are ohhh, so delicious and easy to make! Make sure you get a great cut of meat with bone in- otherwise you will be stuck with dry chops. If you are in my neck of the woods….go to Duma’s, no grocery store meat! 😉

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Coat chops in flour, garlic powder, dry mustard and onion powder.

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Brown in olive oil.

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Place in Crockpot with Cream of Chicken Soup (do not add milk/water). Cover and let simmer for 6-8 hours until tender.

Original Recipe Here

Creamy Crockpot Pork Chops
Author: Duma’s Meats – Melinda’s Chops
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6
http://www.dumameats.com/recipes/melindas-pork-chops/
Ingredients
  • 6 – pork chops- “Bone in”
  • 2 tbls oil
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp dry mustard
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1-2 cans cream of chicken soup
Instructions
  1. Mix flour and dry ingredients together and coat chops.
  2. Brown in olive oil on stove and put chops in a crock pot.
  3. Pour soup over top of chops (do not dilute soup) on low for 6-8 hours until tender.
  4. Cooking time will vary depending on crock pot and size of chops

 

 

 

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EASY Parmesan Crusted Chicken

April 21, 2015 · by · Leave a Comment


IMG_4313This chicken recipe is so moist and flavorful. You can serve it along side of pasta or with a vegetable and potato. My entire family (and friends) love this one.

*GF option- use GF Italian seasoning.

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I love the “kick” of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese.

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By combining freshly shredded and pre-grated Parmesan cheese, we get coverage, texture and full flavor. Also add a packet of Good Seasons Italian dressing mix (one of my favorite ways to add flavor in an instant.)
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Coat chicken and place on a foil lined pan.

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Bake at 375 for approximately 25-30 mins depending one the size of your chicken breasts. Do not over bake, light pink/white is perfect as the chicken will continue cooking when you take it out of the oven.

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Mmmmmm……

EASY Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 6-8 chicken breasts
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 packet of Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix
Instructions
  1. Marinate thawed chicken breasts in mixture of egg and milk. (4-6 hours)
  2. Combine cheeses and Italian dressing mix.
  3. Take chicken out of marinade and coat with mixture.
  4. Place on a foil lined pan and bake at 375 for 25-30 mins or until done.

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Filed Under: Cooking For A Crowd, Entrees, Food Allergy Friendly · Tagged: , ,

EASY Italian Green Beans

April 13, 2015 · by · 6 Comments

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Green beans are one of the only veggies my entire family will eat. Unfortunately, I don’t always have the time to fry up bacon and slice onions for my traditional recipe. This recipe is so quick and honestly more delicious than you can imagine. It’s become a weekly event in my home!

EASY Italian Green Beans
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 1 bag (1 lb) of frozen green beans (any cut)
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 packet of Good Seasons Italian Dressing mix (dry)
Instructions
  1. Lightly prepare a small casserole dish
  2. Add green beans
  3. Dot with butter
  4. Sprinkle on dry Italian Dressing mix
  5. Cover and bake at 350 for 40 mins

 

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Filed Under: Cooking For A Crowd, Sides · Tagged:

Easy and Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

April 12, 2015 · by · 3 Comments

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There is something about the comfort ham and scalloped potatoes bring to a family table. You and your family are going to love this recipe- it’s a staple in my home. This is actually one of my daughter’s favorite side dishes.

Although you need to spend a few more minutes peeling potatoes, use a food processor or slicer to speed up the process in slicing your potatoes. By having each slice of potato even also helps with even baking. Enjoy!

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Mmmmm….

Easy and Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 8
Ingredients
  • 4 lbs of potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
  • 6 Tbsp butter
  • 6 Tbsp flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 3 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese (use 2 cups for sauce and set aside 1 cup for the topping)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. In a medium sauce pan, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux
  2. Add milk, continue stirring with a whisk.
  3. Sauce will become thicker and smooth.
  4. Reduce heat and stir in cheese.
  5. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Place a half of the sliced potatoes in a prepared 9×13 pan.
  7. Pour half of cheese sauce over potatoes.
  8. Repeat with second layer of potatoes and cheese sauce.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
  10. Sprinkle with more salt and pepper
  11. Bake uncovered for about 1 hour at 350°F.

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Filed Under: Cooking For A Crowd, Sides, Uncategorized · Tagged: ,

Easy Easter Lamb Cake and an Easter Playlist {Guest Post}

April 1, 2015 · by · 2 Comments

Easter Lamb Cake

Hi Ladies, I have a special guest today! Please welcome my friend Angie…

Angie says:

In my family, a good deal of meaningful conversation happens around our
kitchen table. So when holidays like Easter come around, I am always looking
for creative ways to incorporate teaching moments into our meal time.

One of our favorite family traditions is to make a lamb cake for Easter. No
special pan is needed, just an 8″ or 9″ round pan. You can find the Easter Lamb Cake Recipe at celebratingholidays.com, along with several other Easter Recipes.

Easter Lamb Cake

The imagery of the “lamb” has a special connection to Easter, so I like to
encourage conversation about it. The Bible records that for hundreds of
years, lambs were used as sacrifices for the sins of the Jewish people.
Around 700 years before Jesus was born, Isaiah wrote that the Savior would
be “led like a lamb to the slaughter” (Isaiah 53:7). When John the Baptist,
a contemporary of Jesus, saw Him coming toward him, he said, “Look, the Lamb
of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). These words make
sense to us as we read them retrospectively, but consider how odd they would
have sounded to the hearers of both Isaiah and John. Yet, they both
prophetically recognized Christ as a sacrificial lamb – the One who would
give himself as the perfect and final sacrifice for our sin!

The good news is that though the “Lamb” was slain, he did not stay dead! He
rose again, and sits at the right hand of his Father in heaven — where the
angels declare, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and
wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (Revelation
5:12).

“Lamb” is the title used to describe Jesus more than any other word in the
book of Revelation. The Bible tells us that all who believe in the Lamb will
one day rise with new bodies (1 Corinthians 15:51-58) to live on a new earth
where “there will be no more death or morning or crying or pain!”
(Revelation 21:4). Amen!

Another one of our special family traditions is to sing Easter songs and
hymns around the dinner table. I have compiled an Easter Song Playlist on You Tube with lyric videos for singing along. Before Easter, we focus on songs about the cross, and after
Easter, we sing songs about the resurrected Jesus. Of course, you don’t have
to sing, you can just enjoy these songs as background music. Either way, I
hope they are a blessing to your family.

Easter Playlist

May your Easter celebration be a special one!

Angie Mosteller

Celebrating
Holidays

 A huge “thank you” to Angie for this adorable recipe and amazing playlist! 

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Filed Under: Dessert, Kiddos, Seasonal, Uncategorized · Tagged: , ,

A Fun and Delicious Easter Brunch!

March 27, 2015 · by · 2 Comments

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Hi Ladies! I just wanted to show you the amazing party my friend Jessica planned for our daughters’ 3rd grade class. I was so impressed that I had to take pictures…she did such a great job! Check out that spread.

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There was breakfast casserole, cheesy potatoes(they had bacon in them, mmmmm), sausage in the crockpot, bacon….

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Sliced donuts, blueberry muffins, strawberries, yogurt, bananas and oranges.

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How adorable is this bunny sign?

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And these cute little cups with straws…

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It was such a fun Easter party! (I know you’re wondering what I made- the strawberries, hahaha!)

“And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.” ~Matthew 28:7

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Filed Under: Breakfast, Kiddos, Seasonal · Tagged:

Someone Needs to Hear YOUR Story.

March 18, 2015 · by · Leave a Comment

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“I’ll never tell anyone that.”

“I’m so embarrassed. If anyone ever found out, I’d die.”

“I’m such a screw up. God can never use me.”

“No one will take me seriously because of [insert reason here].”

“They’ll think I’m a hypocrite if I talk about [insert flawed past here]. I’ve made such a mess of my life, how will anyone listen to what I have to share?”

We all have so many reasons why we shouldn’t be handing out life advice. I know I do! I have lots of reasons why I think I should keep my mouth shut.

I am a miserable failure at so much. Yes, sometimes I get it right, but so often…more of the time…I get it wrong. And I feel like, “what do I possibly have to share with others? How can I possibly speak to what God wants for us when I have made so many mistakes myself?”

Do you ever feel that way?

If so, please keep reading the encouraging words my dear friend Mandy from Suburban Stereotype has to say at Overcomer Outreach….

 

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Easy {No Bake} Peanut Butter Pudding Pie

March 10, 2015 · by · 2 Comments


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This amazing peanut butter pudding pie couldn’t get any easier to make. The ingredients are easy to store for those days you need to make a dessert in a jiffy (no pun intended).

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A pre-made graham cracker crust.

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Stir together your peanut butter and powdered sugar.

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Press down peanut butter mixture onto of your pie crust.

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Make your instant pudding and put in refrigerator for 5 mins. Then, pour on top of you pie.

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Top with Cool Whip or Whipped Cream and chopped peanuts.

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Seriously so good. Everyone in my home asked for seconds!

Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 8
Ingredients
  • 1 (9 inch) Graham Cracker Pie Crust
  • 3/4 Cup Peanut Butter
  • 3/4 Cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 (3.4 oz) Instant Vanilla Pudding mix
  • 2 Cups Milk
  • 1 Container Cool Whip or 1-2 cups homemade whipped cream.
Instructions
  1. Make your pudding ahead of time by whisking milk and pudding mix. Place in refrigerator.
  2. Mix together peanut butter and powdered sugar and press it at the bottom of the pie crust.
  3. Pour vanilla pudding over top of peanut butter.
  4. Top with Cool Whip/Whipped Cream.

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Chicken Bake {Using Wildtree Products}

February 24, 2015 · by · 7 Comments

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Hi Ladies! I just wanted to let you know about a new product that I have tried and LOVED. It’s called WildTree. Wildtree was founded on the premise that food should be natural, nutritious, delicious and easy to prepare – all at the same time. Their products are made with the finest ingredients available and contain no preservatives, additives, MSGs or dyes. They also have TONS of gluten-free options (awesome!). I love this product because it’s not only delicious, it’s “comfy”- they offer free recipes using their products that are simple, yet healthy.

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Here is a meal I made for a dear friend who is on a gluten and dairy free diet. I simply placed chicken breasts, frozen green beans and red potatoes in a disposable pan. I then drizzled everything with WildTree’s Garlic Grapeseed Oil and sprinkled some Wildtree Italian Dressing Mix over the top. I covered it with foil and away it went!

Here is a list of all of their products– they are delicious! And say hello to sweet Melanie for me- she is precious.

Chicken Bake {Using Wildtree Products}
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • 6 chicken breasts
  • 1 bag frozen green beans
  • 12 red potatoes (I would recommend quartering them- I didn’t in the photo because they would have browned because this was a meal ministry)
  • Wildtree grapes oil
  • Wildetree Italian dressing mix
Instructions
  1. Lay in rows your chicken, green beans, and potatoes.
  2. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle liberally with Italian seasoning.
  3. Bake in a 375 oven for 45 mins to an hour.

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Filed Under: Entrees, Food Allergy Friendly · Tagged: , ,

Fruit Salad with Pudding

February 20, 2015 · by · 7 Comments

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I had this delicious fruit salad for the first time a few weeks ago when a friend introduced it to me! The pudding adds a delicious “kick” to the traditional method…and of course, it’s “Comfy”.

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In a large bowl add sliced strawberries, blue berries, 1 can of sliced peaches in their juices and 1 can of pineapple in their juices.

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Simply pour 1 box of instant vanilla pudding on top and stir well.

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Refrigerate for at least an hour.

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It really is delicious! Enjoy!

Fruit Salad with Pudding
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 2-3 cups sliced strawberries
  • 2 cups blue berries
  • 1 (15 oz) can peaches in juices
  • 1 (15 oz) can pineapple in juices
  • 1 (3 oz) box instant vanilla pudding
Instructions
  1. Add fruit and juices to a large bowl, then pour in the dry instant pudding. Mix well. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Enjoy!

 

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Filed Under: Comfy In My Jeans, Cooking For A Crowd, Dessert, Food Allergy Friendly, Kiddos, Salads, Sides · Tagged:

Do Generational Curses Still Exist Today?

February 16, 2015 · by · Leave a Comment

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The other day I was talking with a very kind man who was explaining  how there’s evidence of “generational curses” throughout the history of families. Not only that… the bible tells us that for four generations, predecessors will be under the influence of this “curse”. For example, if your grandparents got divorced, your parents got divorced, you got divorced, then guess what? Your precious children will still be under this curse and are bound to get divorced. It’s up to us to stop it. I knew immediately the verse he was referring to…

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me. Exodus 20:5

Sweet friends, there’s a problem with this interpretation of God’s word.

Please join me over at Overcomer Outreach to read more. 

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Filed Under: Devotionals ·

Cake Coated Ice Cream Balls

February 8, 2015 · by · 2 Comments

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Ohhh my, Ladies….do I have a recipe for you! Do you like cake and ice cream? I think I know the answer to that….

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Do you like nuts, chocolate and Heath bars? I know MY answer to that.

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You are going to LOVE this recipe a sweet new friend of mine made at a bible study this week. I simply HAD to share it with you!

Cake Coated Ice Cream Balls
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • 1 Carton vanilla ice cream
  • 1 Prepared dark chocolate cake
  • 1 Jar Mrs. Richardson’s hot fudge syrup
  • Nuts
  • Heath bars
  • Cherries
Instructions
  1. Prepare a dark chocolate cake as directed. When cool, break it apart in a bowl and set aside.
  2. Put on gloves and roll small balls of vanilla ice-cream, then roll them into the bowl of cake and coat well.
  3. Freeze until ready to serve.
  4. When ready to serve, place in a cupcake wrapper, drizzle with fudge syrup, sprinkle with nuts and heath bars and top with a cherry.
  5. Enjoy!

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Easy Clean-Up Advice for an Outdoor Party!

January 28, 2015 · by · 2 Comments

Meatropolitan Museum of Meat

Image Credit

I know for some of us (hand raised) it is still snowing and we are awaiting for the ground hog to come out and pray he does not see his shadow. However, in some parts of the country (and in different countries right now) Winter  is over and Spring is beginning to show its face!

One of my favorite ways to spend time with friends and family is to hostess a  barbecue. There is something about it that is so inviting, relaxing and comforting. Ohhhh, I can almost hear the children playing and smell the aroma of freshly grilled meats and veggies right now.

However, once the party is over, there is clean-up to be done. Here are a handful of great tips that will make it easier on you to clean up after a barbecue.

Use A Pressure Washer

Pressure washers are the best household cleaning equipment that you can have in this situation. An all day party on the deck or patio can be a breeding ground to all sorts of mishaps and spills.

Having a good quality pressure washer to blast away any lingering stains turns an potentially arduous task into a rather fun one! If you don’t feel the desire to buy your own pressure washer, there a plenty of rental companies that offer great service and great rental prices.

Use Disposable Plates and Cutlery

Let’s be honest, nobody wants to clean dishes! This problem can be easily solved by bulk buying paper plates, plastic cutlery and cups for your guests to use. This option means that you’ll not have a tower of dishes waiting for you at the end of the day and that there’s no risk of your dishes breaking outdoors (and little feet being cut! ouch!)

Provide Plenty of Trash Bags

In an outdoor situation some people find the temptation to throw their trash on the floor too irresistible, leading to a much bigger and unwanted clean up situation for the host. By placing conveniently-placed trash bags (putting them in trash cans is even better) at certain locations on your deck or patio, you will encourage your guests to be more respectful and to dispose of their used plates, cups and bottles in a much tidier manner.

Filling up these trash bags means that you are cleaning as the party is still going, which leaves you with less of a job when the barbecue is over, and means that you can kick back, relax and clean the grill for the next party.

Soooo….tell me, what is the temperature like where you live? Ohhhh, I cannot wait for warm days and Barbecues! For those who are in warmer climates- I hope this post helps you!

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Filed Under: Seasonal, Uncategorized ·

Snow Cream

January 28, 2015 · by · Leave a Comment

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I don’t know what the weather is like where you are, but here in the Midwest- it is snooooooowy!

And I love it. So do the kids.

We got a call from the school early Monday morning that school was canceled. I got the sweetest e-mail from my daughter’s teacher (love her) about to make “Snow Cream”. You know I couldn’t let that go in one ear and out the other! So, we had a day together, making this yummy recipe, sled riding, and drinking hot cocoa. What a blessing.

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Pile up a bowl full of {clean} snow! This was off of our deck.

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Stainless steel mixing bowls keep the snow cold.

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Add a cup of milk.

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A tsp of vanilla, 1/2 cup of sugar, and about 5 drops of food coloring {your choice of color}.

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Mix well with a spoon. You may need to add more milk to make it creamier. Taste it and see if it is sweet enough, if not- add a little more sugar to your liking.

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It tastes and looks like cotton candy!

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Snow Cream
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • Bowlful of clean snow
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 5 drops of food coloring
Instructions
  1. Mix all ingredients well. Add more milk if needed, add more sugar if you’d like it to be sweeter

 

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The Judgement Seat of Christ

January 20, 2015 · by · 1 Comment

Heaven
Hi Ladies,

Just wanted to share a very near and dear post I wrote for Overcomer Outreach. It was so bittersweet to write because as I wrote it I have faith she is in the very place she wondered about….in heaven. Ohhh…how I long to be there.

Here is a snippet, and I hope you’ll join me over there.

Much love, Janelle

We were in the lower level of my mother-in-law’s split level, sitting next to her on the ottoman pulled up to her hospital bed. She had such a distraught look on her face when she looked at me and asked,

“Janelle, how do I know for sure I’ll go to heaven?”

“What do you mean, Kathy?” I asked, knowing she had put her faith in Christ.

“Well, I just don’t feel good enough.” She said crying.

I looked up at my husband with tears in my eyes and nodded, he replied, “Mom, none of us are good enough, that’s why Jesus had to die for us.” She nodded, closed her eyes and exhaled- I could feel relief run through her weary body.

He could have told her all the amazing things she had done, the wonderful wife she was…loving mother, devoted friend, beyond excellent grandmother, and the list would go on. But he didn’t. He told her the truth…and that truth set her free.

Nothing she did or didn’t do could convince her she was going to heaven. What convinced her were those words, along side of God’s truth in which we read….

Read the rest of the story here. 

 

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Caramelized Bacon

January 19, 2015 · by · 3 Comments

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This delicious recipe comes from a dear reader, Stacey – She was so kind to e-mail me this, therefore- I had to try it. Ohhhh, yum. That’s all I have to say.

Stacey gave me the following photos:

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3 ingredients: bacon, mustard and brown sugar.

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Place your bacon on a foil-lined baking sheet for easy clean-up.

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Brush with mustard like so…

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Sprinkle on the goods…(brown sugar).

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Bake until nice and crispy. Is your mouth watering yet?

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My family loved it too!

Thanks Stacey!!! GREAT recipe!

If anyone else has “must try” recipes that are easy like this, send em on over to me! JMNehrenz@me.com

Caramelized Bacon
Author: Stacey S./Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 1/2 lb. bacon
  • 2 Tbsp. mustard
  • 1/2 c. brown sugar
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350.
  2. Cover a large baking sheet (you’ll want one with a lip) with aluminum foil.
  3. Spread each slice of bacon with a thin coating of mustard and cover generously with brown sugar. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until desired crispness (the crispier the better!).
  4. Remove from pan while still hot and serve.

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Filed Under: Breakfast, Cooking For A Crowd, Food Allergy Friendly, Kiddos · Tagged: ,

Kitchen Utensils That You Should NEVER Put in the Dishwasher

January 9, 2015 · by · Leave a Comment

Kitchen Utensils
An electric dish cleaner is an effective and hassle-free way of cleaning utensils, plates, and other kitchen utensils. In just a matter of minutes, you will be able clean all your dishes effectively. That way, you do not need to spend hours in the kitchen sink.

But even with all its advanced features, this equipment still has one major downside. Because of its convenience, a lot of people became lazy with the way they clean their dishes.

People who are fortunate enough to have this cleaning appliance will understand how tempting it is to just chuck in the machine any dirty plate or spoon that you see lying around in the kitchen. Unfortunately, this habit is a big mistake and should be stopped as soon as possible. The dishwasher may be amazing in so many levels, but it can also be rough on some of your other important kitchen items. So to help you out, here is a list of utensils and kitchenware that you should NEVER put in the dishwasher.

1. Wooden utensils – Wooden spoons, chopsticks, chopping boards, and salad bowls should be cleaned by hand. The extreme heat, moisture, and strong cleaning agents will cause the wood to swell up and become cracked.

2. Knives – The tough cleaning detergent can create nicks and scratches on your kitchen knives. It can also remove the silver plating of your items. In addition, sharp objects might also damage your other utensils and even the dishwasher.

3.  Hand-blown Glass – these types of glassware are highly sensitive to extreme heat. In addition, the detergent can also chip the glass surface and lose its natural luster. These items should only be hand-washed and dried using a soft towel.

4. Nonstick Pans – its non-stick surface can easily be chipped away because of the extreme heat inside the dishwasher.

5. Copper Pans – Placing them inside the dishwasher regularly will cause discoloration on their surfaces.

6. Items with Adhesives – glue can easily melt off when exposed to extreme heat. These sticky residues will clog the dishwasher and damage it. Before putting any utensils, make sure that the glued labels on each piece are removed.

Can you share other cleaning tips to your fellow readers? Feel free to post them in the comments section!

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Filed Under: Comfy Talk, Learning the Basics, Uncategorized · Tagged: ,

Packing Lunches for the Entire Week {Made Easy!}

January 7, 2015 · by · 12 Comments

Packing lunches
Our mornings were getting very stressful…

With the busyness of life, the cold weather, the time change, the snooze button- you name it… packing lunches got placed on the back burner. There was barely enough time for breakfast, let alone time to pack lunches, so off my children went with money to purchase their lunches at school. I was very grateful to have that option, however my heart’s desire was to pack for them.

So Monday, I turned a new leaf. I prepared in advance for the entire week and now packing lunches in the morning is fun! I’ll show you how…


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After I went to the grocery store, I took an hour and prepped the above. I made sure to have different sized ziplock  bags and I went to to town rinsing, dicing, cutting and portioning out all of the lunch items I purchased.

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I cubed cheese, cut carrots, broccoli, and cucumbers and hard boiled eggs.

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I cut up strawberries and portioned out grapes. I made salami and cream cheese tortilla rollups and bagged them up too.

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I rolled up just salami and cheese and made them into rollups and bagged up snack mixes.

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I portioned out sunflower seeds, animal crackers and trail mix.

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And banana chips…


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Then I placed them in containers with like attributes. This was my veggie container.

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My fruit container…

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The proteins…
Then I placed the dry snacks in bowls and put them away in the cupboard.

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Storage in the refrigerator was simple.

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Now morning time lunch packing is fun! The kiddos (and Dad) get to choose what they want from each container and all is good in the world 😉

I hope this helps my fellow Mama’s!

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Filed Under: Allergy Substitutions, Comfy In My Jeans, Comfy Talk, Cooking For A Crowd, Food Allergy Friendly, Kiddos, lunch · Tagged:

A Meal Ministry Idea {Semi-Homemade w/ added touches!}

January 2, 2015 · by · 14 Comments

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Ladies, through this difficult time, I’ve mentioned that people have been caring for me as I helped care for my family. Honestly, I’ve not been much of a cook lately. When I look back, the past few months have been kind of a blur….I know many of you know what I mean when I say that. Trauma has a way with us-our bodies, our memory, etc. just barely function as we keep going. We just push and get through with the strength only God can lend.

Whenever I would be the recipient of a meal ministry and had my phone on me, I would snap pictures so I could show them on the blog. All of this is to glorify God and to show how he works through others so to comfort us.

Phil 2:13 states “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

This delicious meal came from my daughter’s teacher. I was so humbled when she asked to make a meal for us, as she serves me so much every day by teaching and caring for my little one. This is the perfect example of how we can bring a very special meal to someone that’s semi-homemade. She ordered the most delicious stromboli you’d ever eat, made a salad with apples, cranberries, nuts and feta cheese with an amazing dressing, cut up oranges and added after dinner mints and a bag of cookies.

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My children were so excited to get these twirly straws…and aren’t those napkins beautiful? When you’re out and about at Marcs (or whatever discount store you might have near you) pick up items like this in advance for ministry opportunities.

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I was so excited to share this idea with you Ladies….she took the bottom of a cardboard box and wrapped it in beautiful paper. This is such an excellent idea for a serving tray that doesn’t need to be given back. She also used large Ziplock bags so I didn’t have to give those back either.

This meal will forever stay in my heart- what a blessing it was. My children were also so filled with joy that their teacher did this for all of us. I’d say her name, but I fear embarrassing her…she’s amazing.

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When Meal Ministry Didn’t Matter

December 28, 2014 · by · 27 Comments

Kathy

My eyes are filled with tears as I sit down and write this.

How do I write this. 

I love meal ministry…you know I do. Not only does it remove something off of a tiresome daily list during difficult days, it’s an outward motion of love. It says “I’m here for you, I care, and I am doing something to show you that I am walking this walk with you.”

But the past few months, my typical “go to” way of loving someone didn’t matter.

She couldn’t eat.

Now I’m crying even harder…breathe, Janelle.

Some of you might know my beloved Mother-in-Law went home to be with the Lord on December 17th, 2014. She was an amazing mother to my husband, outstanding grandma, and truly…I mean truly, one of my very best friends. At 55 years old, her life was cut too short, yet she lived it more fully than anyone I know. She passed away from stage 4 triple-negative breast cancer.

Being that she only lived 7 minutes away (yes, we timed it) I was there quite a bit to keep her company. One of the hardest things I had to wrestle with was how I could serve her. My typical meal ministry wouldn’t be a help… she couldn’t eat.  She lost a total of 140 lbs… It pained me so much to know she couldn’t eat, I felt so helpless. I even found myself not wanting to eat…

At the beginning of her end-days, her friends and I would bring over slushies (Burger King- Cherry, or Taco Bell-Dr.Pepper at her request) or even a “Mickey D’s” sweet tea. But, as she progressed, nothing ministered to her in the way of food or even drink.

Being the hands and feet of Jesus meant something different- it meant ministering to her in the way she needed, not the way I wanted.

There was a day she asked me to help her over to the computer to draft a list of songs to be placed on a CD for her memorial. She also wanted more CDs to be made for her friends and family. Kathy loved music, especially praise and worship music. So, we spent that day on You Tube…(smiling) when I say we spent the day, I mean we spent the day… This dear woman cracked me up- she would name a song such as, “It is Well with My Soul” and we would go through 10 versions of it to find “just the right one”. Sure enough when she found “the one” it was always my favorite version too.

One song in particular was very important to her, but she couldn’t put her finger on the name of it…she said, “Ok Janelle, it goes like this…I’d rather be in grave than live in a house of cards.” I remember googling her words-because this song was important to her, I was determined to find it, regardless of the odd lyrics. But, I have to say (as I was guessing in my head)…a bunch of gambling sites came up.

We honestly looked for a good hour.

“Kathy, are you sure it’s House of Cards? Who sings it?” I asked. She always had this look when she was thinking…she would kind of move her mouth to the side and look up. She replied, ” Look up Gaither’s and House and see what comes up.” Sure enough, we found the song… House of GOLD!

We laughed so hard. It actually became an inside joke to both of us throughout the days to come. 

I turned up the song she so loved to celebrate it’s discovery. It had a groovy little swag to it so I stood up, danced and clapped to the beat. She laughed so hard, started clapping and singing too…it was just the two of us. We weren’t thinking about cancer or medicine or death…

Laughter, joy, humor and praise filled the living room. That room saw some pretty dark hours …but in that moment, we were having fun.

This is just one memory I have of that precious time with her. This blog isn’t big enough to list everything, but I do want to add…

I witnessed Kathy’s friends also minister to her in a way that touched me so deeply.  They too felt helpless, but it was their time, prayers, laughter, concern, loving hugs, and genuine help for basic needs that ministered her. As I watched many of them by her side, it put friendship into a very real and new perspective for me. These women weren’t having a girls night out, they were sacrificing themselves for her. Whatever she needed, whenever she needed it, however long she needed it- they were there. It was beautiful.

So friends, the reason I haven’t been blogging very much is because I’ve been ministering in a way that meal ministry just didn’t matter….I’ve been lucky to even cook for my own family. In fact, many people have been cooking for me.

Thank you for your grace….

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Filed Under: Comfy Talk · Tagged:

Best EVER Banana Pudding

December 8, 2014 · by · 2 Comments

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I love bananas- banana cream pie, banana bread, peanut butter on bananas, chocolate covered bananas, etc. But there aren’t too many “festive” banana recipes that would go along with the Christmas season. When I saw this recipe, I thought to myself “Yahtzee! Pepperidge Farm makes Christmas Chessmen! This is perfect.” I honestly cannot tell you how delicious this banana pudding is…after we had it for dessert, my kids kept opening the refrigerator for extra spoonfuls. It will be my “go-to” dessert… even in winter.

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These are so delicious and buttery.

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Lay cookies down on a 9×13, then layer with sliced bananas.

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Mix your pudding with milk and let sit until firm.

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Beat together condensed milk with cream cheese.

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Mix in pudding and pour over top of bananas, then top with the remaining Chessmen.

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Best EVER Banana Pudding
Recipe Type: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/not-yo-mamas-banana-pudding-recipe.html
Author: Paula Deen
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • 2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies
  • 6 to 8 bananas, sliced
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 (5-ounce) box instant French vanilla pudding
  • 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipped cream
Instructions
  1. Line the bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top.
  2. In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer.
  3. Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth. Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture.
  4. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended.
  5. Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the remaining cookies.
  6. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  7. Recipe courtesy Paula Deen
  8. Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/not-yo-mamas-banana-pudding-recipe.html?oc=linkback

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Filed Under: Dessert, Seasonal, Uncategorized · Tagged: , ,

How to String Cranberries

December 1, 2014 · by · Leave a Comment


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We cherish homemade ornaments in our home and our kiddos help decorate the tree with them. I never adjust anything they do, because what they love and do is beautiful to me. First, we put on all of the bulbs and decorative items, then we get out the homemade items and remember what year they were made. My children love looking at old artwork and pictures – It means so much to them and to me. When people come over, they are so proud of “their” tree and lead them right to it…it’s precious.

The kiddos mentioned stringing either popcorn or cranberries this year, so I found this easy method on how to string cranberries that I thought I’d share. It’s just taking waxed dental floss and a regular needle through the cranberries. The wax helps the cranberries move down the string a lot easier.

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This is my youngest- she’s just six years old and is making her own strand.
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Good job!

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Her first two cranberries…now about a thousand more 🙂
Make sure to knot the end of your strands.
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Lovely. Thank’s sweetheart! Great job.

Do you make homemade ornaments as well? I’d love to know some of your Christmas traditions!

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Filed Under: Comfy Talk, Seasonal · Tagged: ,

The Best {Kitchen} Black Friday Deals

November 28, 2014 · by · 1 Comment

Keurig

Hi Ladies! I have had several e-mails that have asked me what the best deals are online for Kitchen supplies. So, I decided to give you a post as far as what I was seeing {and liking} out there on the internet for today’s Black Friday sales!

Here we go…

Anolon 11 piece cookware set


I love the glass lids, non-stick and dishwasher safe aspects of these heavy-duty pots and pans! A great deal for $269.99 {was $450!}

The Kitchenaid 5 qt Mixer


WOW!!! For the price and quality, Kitchenaid is by far one of my favorite brands. Right now it’s on sale for $279.99 on top of that Kitchenaid is offering a $50 rebate! That’s just $229.99 for a standing mixer that is originally priced at $429.99 {50% off}!

Charbroil Gas Grill with Side Burners


This is the grill I have (yes, I use a gas grill-I know, I know- but it’s so much easier). The price of this was $300.32 and today it’s marked down to $175.99! This is the BEST time of the year to buy grills and they are great gifts for the man in your family who is hard to buy for.

Keurig K130


This is a deal I personally took advantage of for a family member for Christmas. This is an Amazon’s #1 Best Seller which was originally priced at $129.99 and I purchased it for $ 70.99. This is a great gift for a college student, a private office, or for that special someone who loves coffee, but no one else in the house does (crazy, I know). For almost half off- it’s a great deal for a trusted brand!

Ninja Professional Blender


After many blenders and frustration, I finally purchased the Ninja and couldn’t be happier. I’d recommend this blender to anyone. Today, I saw it on sale for $110.85, the original price was $149.99. If you or someone you know is in need of a blender- go no further.

Happy Shopping Everyone! Love to you, Janelle

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Filed Under: Comfy Talk, Grocery Shopping, Seasonal, Uncategorized · Tagged:

Homemade Birthday Cakes

November 23, 2014 · by · 12 Comments

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My “middlest” is turning 9 next week and as cliche as it sounds it just doesn’t seem possible. She is such a sweet, giving and thoughtful little girl – I’m so grateful to be her mom. As I was looking through Pinterest for ideas about what to make for her cake, it dawned on me that my beloved mother-in-law was the one who inspired me to start baking my own cakes. My husband remembers her making his cakes for his birthday growing up and he said it brought back great memories. For something I never gave much thought to before, it certainly has been a sweet tradition I’ve had the joy of carrying out.

Now, I’m not a “Pinterest Perfect” baker- you aren’t going to see rolled fondant from this girl. But, what you will see is a mom, wife, daughter, daughter-in-law and friend who loves the people around her ….


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Our youngest wanted a rainbow themed party one year….she loved this cake.

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Our oldest had a baseball party and he absolutely LOVES Oreos…so we mixed the two that year.

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One of my dear friends got engaged!

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Our daughter was very into horses one year. My best effort, lol- she loved it despite the lack of perfection.

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Happy Birthday Jesus!

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My Father-in-Law loves carrot cake, so we made him this for his birthday one year.

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There’s my sweet mother-in-law catching a memory 🙂

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And here comes the Minecraft Creeper cake….it’s a beauty, isn’t it.

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My little one’s balloon funfetti cake….

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This one the kiddos got to make themselves for grandpa…they were SO proud.

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And for another dear friend ….

Do you purchase or make your own cakes? What’s your favorite cake?!

This post is dedicated to my dear mother-in-law who is in the final stages of cancer. I can’t tell you how much she has influenced my life and has made me a better mother. Love her so much…

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Filed Under: Dessert, Kiddos, Seasonal · Tagged:

The Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe Ever

November 19, 2014 · by · 1 Comment

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I’ve been getting a lot of e-mails asking me after I thaw and brine my turkey…how do I roast it the next day?  This recipe comes from The Food Network’s Giada DeLaurentiis and it has become my absolute favorite way to roast a turkey. The first time I had this was at my dad’s house a few years ago and I’ve made it every year since. It’s incredibly flavorful, makes the turkey moist and even the people who say they don’t like turkey…..love it. Not kidding. 

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Stuff, season, and butter as directed. 

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Cover and roast for 20 mins, then add broth. 

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Baste as directed. 

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Roast until the internal temperature is at 165 degrees. Cover with foil after it is done roasting and let it sit for 30 mins before carving. 

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The Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe Ever
Author: Giada DeLarentiis
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 8
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/turkey-with-herbes-de-provence-and-citrus-recipe.html
Ingredients
  • 1 (14 to 15-pound) turkey, neck and giblets reserved
  • 1 orange, cut into wedges
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges
  • 1 onion, cut into wedges
  • 6 fresh rosemary sprigs
  • 6 fresh sage sprigs
  • 6 fresh oregano sprigs
  • 7 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons herbes de Provence
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 6 cups canned low-salt chicken broth (approximate amount)
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/turkey-with-herbes-de-provence-and-citrus-recipe.html?oc=linkback
Instructions
  1. To make the turkey: Position the rack in the lowest third of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F.
  2. Rinse the turkey and pat it dry with paper towels.
  3. Place the turkey on a rack set inside a large roasting pan.
  4. Place the orange and lemon wedges, onion, and 2 sprigs of each fresh herb in the main turkey cavity.
  5. Tie the legs together to hold the shape of the turkey.
  6. Stir 2 tablespoons of butter, the herbes de Provence, oil, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of each the salt and pepper in a small saucepan over medium heat just until the butter melts.
  7. Rub the butter mixture all over the turkey and between the turkey breast meat and skin.
  8. Place the turkey neck and giblets in roasting pan.
  9. (Recipe can be prepared up to this point 1 day ahead.
  10. Cover and refrigerate. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before roasting.)
  11. Cover the turkey breast with foil.
  12. Roast for 20 minutes.
  13. Pour 3 cups of broth into the pan and stir to scrape up any brown bits on the bottom of the pan.
  14. Add the remaining sprigs of fresh herbs to the pan.
  15. Roast the turkey for 40 minutes.
  16. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
  17. Remove the foil from the turkey; pour 1 more cup of broth into the pan.
  18. Continue roasting the turkey until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees F to 175 degrees F or until the juices run clear when the thickest part of the thigh is pierced with a skewer, basting occasionally with pan juices, about 1 hour and 30 minutes longer.
  19. Transfer the turkey to a platter and tent with foil. Let stand 30 minutes while preparing the gravy.
  20. To make the gravy: Strain the turkey pan juices from the roasting pan through a sieve and into a 4-cup glass measuring cup; discard the solids. Spoon off the fat from atop the pan juices. Add enough chicken broth, about 1 to 2 cups, to the pan juices to measure 4 cups total. Melt the remaining butter in a heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the broth. Simmer until the gravy thickens slightly, whisking often, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve the turkey with the gravy.
  21. Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/turkey-with-herbes-de-provence-and-citrus-recipe.html?oc=linkback

 

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Filed Under: Entrees, Food Allergy Friendly, Seasonal · Tagged:

How to Make a Christmas Centerpiece With What You Have

November 14, 2014 · by · 2 Comments

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Christmas decorations can so comforting, but they can also break the bank if you let them. I’m sure it might come to no surprise that I love a “comfy” centerpiece, but this year I truly did not want to go buy a lot.

Here’s what I used to make mine…

A rustic fruit bowl I already had (from Goodwill)
3 mason jars I purchased from Michaels this week (they are on sale for .99 cents each)
Pine cones I already had from last year.
Candles I had on hand.
Holly berries and tree foliage from my yard.

I love this because its natural and comforting….

What are some ways you save with Christmas decor?

P.S. Forgive me for talking about Christmas before Thanksgiving, I’m getting head start this year!

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Filed Under: Comfy Talk, Decor, Uncategorized ·

How to Brine Your Thanksgiving Turkey

November 5, 2014 · by · 6 Comments

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Brining is the *key* to making a delicious, moist and flavorful Thanksgiving turkey. It’s a sweet and savory marinade that adds that extra “something” to your main course. It’s simple, yet worth the extra few steps!

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In a large stock pot boil all ingredients (but ice). 

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After simmering for 1 hour, put ice in and let cool. 

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Place a thawed turkey with insides removed in a large cooking bag. Place on a foil turkey roaster. Pour cooled brine over top. 

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Place in refrigerator overnight before roasting.

* It may take up to 5 days to thaw your turkey, just a huge FYI!

 

How to Brine a Turkey
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 10
Ingredients
  • 1 gallon vegetable stock
  • 1/2 cup kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp black peppercorns
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 sprigs Rosemary
  • 4 Sage leaves
  • 6 cups ice
Instructions
  1. In a large stock pot boil all ingredients (but ice).
  2. After simmering for 1 hour, put ice in and let cool.
  3. Place a thawed turkey with insides removed in a large cooking bag.
  4. Place on a foil turkey roaster.
  5. Pour cooled brine over top.
  6. Place in refrigerator overnight before roasting.

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Colored Popcorn {Pink}

November 4, 2014 · by · Leave a Comment

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Colored popcorn is a yummy little treat that is not only easy to make- but enjoyed by ALL {grown-ups, kiddos, GF and glutenous maxiumus friends} You can decide on the color- here I used pink. But, I can see blue for a “Frozen” birthday party, red and green for Christmas, green for St. Patty’s day, etc. 

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Pop 4 bags of microwave popcorn separately {2 mins each bag} and place into two bowls. 

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In a medium saucepan combine sugar, corn syrup, and half and half. Let simmer until a rapid boil forms. 

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Take off of burner and add vanilla and your choice of food coloring. 

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Mix well. Spread out on parchment paper. You can tell I used buttered popcorn {which tastes great} however, for a more dramatic effect, I would use plain popcorn next time so the color comes through a bit better. 

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Let cool. 

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Ready to eat! Have fun! 

Colored Popcorn {Pink}
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • 4 bags popped microwaved popcorn {popped individually- 2 mins each}
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2/3 cup half & half
  • 1 Tbsp corn syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • food coloring of your choice
Instructions
  1. Pop popcorn and place into two bowls.
  2. In a medium saucepan add sugar, corn syrup and half & half. Let simmer until it boils on medium-high heat.
  3. Take off of heat and add vanilla and food coloring.
  4. Add syrup to popcorn and mix well.
  5. Pour popcorn out onto a table lined with parchment paper {or waxed paper}.
  6. Let cool.

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Filed Under: Cooking For A Crowd, Dessert, Food Allergy Friendly, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Kiddos · Tagged: ,

Labels

October 30, 2014 · by · Leave a Comment

 

OO Labels Tear Us Down

Ladies, I am praying for you and hope that you find this video and small activity helpful! Please join me and my very talented group of authors over at Overcomer Outreach for more encouraging messages! I’d also love to talk with you over at the Overcomer FB page.

Love to you, Janelle

Video Notes and Ideas:

From the book “Unglued” by: Lysa Terkheurst 

1. Identify the label as a lie meant to tear me down.

2. I chose to view this circumstance as a call to action, not a call to beat myself up mentally.

3. I used the momentum of tackling one label to help me tackle more.

Labels in the Bible: 

Peter had a TEMPER- Yet, he allowed Christ to mold and shape him. 
David had an AFFAIR- Yet, he was a man after God’s own heart. 
Noah got DRUNK- Yet, God made a covenant with him and he was faithful.
Saul (Paul) was a MURDERER and hated Jesus and his disciples- Yet, Jesus showed himself to him after his death and gave Paul the gospel to preach to the Jews and Gentiles. (Romans 1:16)
Thomas was a DOUBTER- Yet, he was quick to repent and have great faith. 
Moses STUTTERED- Yet, God told him the 10 commandments. 

Common labels we can give ourselves:

Fat, ugly, dumb, a mistake, drunk, adulteress, unforgiveable, terrible cook, old, not interesting, anti-social, can’t keep or make friends, divorcee, single-mom, moody, prideful, jealous, etc.

What I want you to say to yourselves (write it down):

Just because I am ___________, doesn’t mean that I am _____________.

For Example:

Just because I have had a failed marriage doesn’t mean that I am a failure.
Just because dinner didn’t turn out doesn’t mean that I am a bad cook.
Just because I envied her home doesn’t mean that I am not thankful for what I have.
Just because I failed at nursing my child doesn’t mean that I am a bad mom.

The label Christ wants you to wear:

GRACE

Scripture to meditate on: 

 

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”  2 Corinthians 10:5

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”  Ephesians 2:8

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

 

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Filed Under: Devotionals ·

Pumpkin Pie Spiced Pumpkin Seeds

October 25, 2014 · by · 1 Comment

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For those of you who are carving pumpkins this weekend, I wanted to share with you my family’s favorite way to eat pumpkin seeds. My kiddos love pumpkin pie, so I decided to add a little spice to an old-time classic autumn treat. Enjoy!

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Pre-heat oven to 400

Take the seeds out of your pumpkin and drain them in a colander, taking out any pumpkin remains- rinse. Blot try with paper towels. Place parchment paper down on a baking sheet and pour your seeds on top. Drizzle with butter and season with Pumpkin spice. Roast for approximately 15 mins turning half way through. When the seeds are browned, remove and place in a large bowl, sprinkle with sugar.

Pumpkin Pie Spiced Pumpkin Seeds
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 8
Ingredients
  • Pumpkin seeds from one large pumpkin
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • Pumpkin pie spice
  • Sugar to taste
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 400
  2. Take the seeds out of your pumpkin and drain them in a colander, taking out any pumpkin remains- rinse.
  3. Blot try with paper towels.
  4. Place parchment paper down on a baking sheet and pour your seeds on top.
  5. Drizzle with butter and season with Pumpkin spice.
  6. Roast for approximately 15 mins turning half way through.
  7. When the seeds are browned, remove and place in a large bowl, sprinkle with sugar.

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Filed Under: Comfy In My Jeans, Food Allergy Friendly, Kiddos, Seasonal · Tagged:

Product Review of T. Marzetti Apple Crisp

October 21, 2014 · by · 3 Comments

apple crispJust wanted to give a little shout out to T.Marzetti because I love their “Apple Crisp Easy to Bake Mix”! I’m not getting paid a single cent to say it 😉 I simply enjoy giving credit where credit is earned and this really is great “go to” item to have stocked in your pantry for when guests come over unexpectedly. It is unexpectedly delish! 

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Photo Credit: Marzetti’s Kitchen

Serve warm out of the oven, topped with caramel, a la mode. Autumn in a dish…. 

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Filed Under: Dessert, Seasonal ·

The Duggar’s Tator Tot Bake

October 17, 2014 · by · 7 Comments

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My dear friend Courtney from Women Living Well recommend I try the Duggar’s Hasbrown Casserole- she said it was a hit in her home! So, I did just that….and sure enough, my family loved it. I changed a couple things based on our personal taste…but you may want to look at Courtney’s recipe to see the original! Enjoy!

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Brown your choice of meat. I used a ground beef- you might choose ground turkey or chicken.

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Whisk together cream of chicken soup and evaporated milk.

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In a 9×13 pan spread ground beef and top with Tator Tots (or hasbrowns).

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Pour soup mixture over top.

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Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.

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Bake in a 350 oven for about an hour. Enjoy!

The Duggar’s Tator Tot Bake
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • 1lb ground beef, cooked and drained
  • 2lb bag of tator tots (frozen)
  • 2 cans Cream of Chicken soup
  • 1 12oz can of evaporated milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 350
  2. Place cooked and drained ground beef at the bottom of a 9×13
  3. top with frozen tator tots
  4. In a bowl whisk together soup and evaporated milk, pour over top
  5. Top with cheese
  6. Cover and bake for about an hour or until bubbly


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Filed Under: Entrees ·

Fall Rice Krispies {Across the Web)

October 11, 2014 · by · Leave a Comment

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Adorable pumpkins from Home Stories A to Z

One of my children’s {and yes, mine too} favorite “treats” are Rice Krispie treats. I’ve shared with you my favorite recipe {they are huge, buttery, and ohhh so gooey}, I’ve shared the peanut butter kind {gluten and dairy-free}, I’ve shared with you rainbow style, and the ever so amazing Scotcharoos.

Today, I thought I would see what was happening in blog world. Since it’s fall, let’s take a look at all the festivities! Adorable sightings were found….

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Adorable Candy Corns from Rice Krispies

Turkey Rice Krispie Treats decorated for Thanksgiving! Easy dessert that kids can help make!

Turkey Treats from Shugary Sweets!

Pumpkin Spice Treats from “The Comfort of Cooking”

Candy Corn Crispy Treats
White Chocolate Candy Corn Treats from Yellow Bliss Road.

We have some very “Comfy” bakers all over the web…what great ideas! Thanks, fellow bloggers!

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Filed Under: Dessert, Food Allergy Friendly, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Kiddos, Seasonal ·

Living Life with God’s Power and Tools.

October 7, 2014 · by · Leave a Comment

Living Life with God's Power and Tools

People who don’t know me would never know it. I’m very easy going and free spirited, actually. 

In fact, most people who struggle with anxiety hide it pretty well. They tend to be the ones who are very “put together”.

They’re the happy, helping, volunteering, cooking, cleaning, working, mending, smiling, taxi-ing, calling, texting-to-check-in, dressed-perfectly kind of people. The types who hate making waves. The ones who seek peace in all circumstances for fear of conflict. Often times, these folks are very well-liked and if by slight chance they aren’t, realistically it’s because someone is jealous of them. Because they’re picture-perfect right?

Ohhhh, no.

Let me tell you the truth about “my kind”.

Our outer appearance typically lacks balance with our internal struggle.

For some odd reason, us anxiety- prone people also tend to be “taker on-ers”. Don’t ask me why, we just are.

It could be our pride, people-pleasing attributes, irrational fear, false guilt, or whatever the case, our lives can get pretty heavy in an instant. We pile “yeses” on top of “yeses” out of an unbalanced mix of genuine concern and fear. Fear that we aren’t good enough, that we might hurt someone’s feelings, or fear we may look bad if we don’t overachieve.

The very thing that makes us anxious-having too much on our plate, is the very thing we do to ourselves-sign up for everything under the sun.

On top of all of that, we add a heaping second helping of fear to all that we avoid or anything that could happen. After all, this world is a scary place. This isn’t our home!  

Why, dear friends, do we give so much power to anxiety? And if you don’t want to label it anxiety…why do we give so much power to people, or to our circumstances, or to fear?

God’s word says in 2 Timothy 1:7:

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

 

This means that whatever fears we are facing, whenever we are anxious, or whatever irrational thoughts we might have – they are simply not from God. How do I know this? His words says so. He does not give us the spirit of fear.

But, what He does give us are extremely valuable tools-

Power.
Love.
A Sound Mind.

Do these words stabilize you as much as they do me? You see, these tools need to be used in order for them to be useful. If we hand over these tools for anxiety, worry, and fear, our jobs are not going to be done. God’s work will be done, it just won’t be done though us- someone else will be willing. We may look as though we’re busy, but honestly we are creating wreckage. There’s only so much that wreckage can do and only so long wreckage can go on.

Our power? Gone.
Our love? Gone.
Our sound mind? Out the window.
We loose it.
We simply cannot function the way God wills us to function if we hand over these gifts for wreckage!

Ladies, I encourage you right now to write down the name of someone or something you are handing over power to in your life.

It may be a person you’re avoiding, therefore you’ve rerouted your daily living so not to run into this person. Stop it. Live your life with God’s power and tools. 

Are you afraid to fly? Has this fear blocked you from traveling to your dream destination, visiting family from afar, or taking that missions trip you so desperately want to go on? Stop it. While I can validate your fear, I can also validate the chances of anything happening to you are very slim and are not worth living in fear over. Live your life with God’s power and tools.  

What about relationships? Have you been so emotionally wounded that you’ve surrounded yourself with walls, even blocking out Jesus? Did I just say Jesus? Yes, I did. Often times when people are hurting, they even shut out Jesus. Stop it. I get it, I’ve been hurt as well, but in order to make an eternal impact on those around you, you’ve got to let those walls come down and let love cover. You’re going to get hurt, plain and simple. Live your life with God’s power and tools. 

Anxiety. If we give it power, it will take it. The key is to accept the power God gives us through His spirt and to stop giving power to our emotions. 

I will leave you with this biblical truth:

“We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. ” ~2 Corinthians 10:5

Anxiety gets its power from our obedience to it. Let’s give God his power back in our lives. Let’s live our lives with God’s power and tools.

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Filed Under: Comfy Talk, Devotionals, Finding Comfort · Tagged: , , , , ,

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

October 3, 2014 · by · Leave a Comment

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Ohhh my yum! If you are looking for some good ole fashioned comfort food…Ladies, this is where it’s at! I am typically not a casserole lover, but my mind has changed after this one!

I love CCB, it’s been a favorite of mine since I was a child. This tastes just like it….but…it’s Comfy.

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Place prepared rice at the bottom, layer with swiss cheese, pour on the creamy chicken sauce, then the chicken and ham.

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For your crust combine panko with butter and bake!

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Even my children loved this one….enjoy!

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 15
Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 1 (32 oz) chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2-3 cups shredded chicken from a pre-roasted chicken. You can used cubed as well.
  • 2 cups diced ham- you can dice you own from a ham steak or purchase it diced.
  • 2 cups of prepared rice
  • 3 cups of freshly shredded swiss cheese
  • salt/pepper
  • 1 cup Panko
  • 2 Tbsp butter
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 350
  2. Spray a 13×9 baking dish
  3. In a pan, melt butter then add flour to make a paste
  4. Stir in broth and milk- let simmer
  5. Spread prepared rice in your 13×9 pan
  6. Spread swiss cheese over rice
  7. Pour thickened creamy chicken sauce over the cheese
  8. Sprinkle chicken and ham on top
  9. Season with salt and pepper as desired
  10. Microwave 2 Tbsp butter, add Panko and stir- Sprinkle on top
  11. Cover and bake 30 mins
  12. Uncover and bake an additional 15 mins
  13. Delish!

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Filed Under: Entrees, Uncategorized ·

Easy Chicken Quesadillas

September 20, 2014 · by · Leave a Comment

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These easy chicken quesadillas are a hit for lunch, dinner or as an appetizer. Best yet, they please the grown-ups and the children alike. Once you realize how easy they are…I’m sure they will become a staple in your home as they have become in mine.

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Marinate your chicken breasts in Italian dressing overnight.

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Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Broil or grill until done. Don’t overcook or the chicken will be too dry.

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Shred Colby-Jack cheese. You can use pre-shredded cheese, but hands down, shredding your own is so much better.

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Lightly butter a pan and add a flour tortilla, place cheese and chicken on one side.

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Flip one side over.

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Cook until lightly browned.

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For a larger quesadilla use two flour tortillas filled with chicken and cheese.

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Slice with a pizza cutter and serve with your choice of dipping sauces.
You may also like to try steak, fajita veggies, shrimp, etc…a very easy recipe to alter to your taste.

Easy Chicken Quesadillas
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • 6 chicken breasts
  • 1 bottle of Italian dressing
  • 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
  • flour tortillas
  • salt, pepper, garlic powder
  • butter for pan
  • salsa and sour cream for dipping
Instructions
  1. Marinate chicken in Italian dressing overnight.
  2. Season chicken with salt, pepper and garlic powder- grill or broil until just done. Cut into chunks.
  3. Shred cheese
  4. Lightly butter a pan
  5. Lay one flour tortilla onto pan and add cheese and chicken to one side. Flip the other side over. Lightly brown on both sides.
  6. Slice with pizza cutter and serve with salsa and sour cream. Enjoy!

 

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Filed Under: Appetizers, Entrees, Kiddos, Uncategorized · Tagged: ,

How I Got My Highlights to Look More Natural

September 13, 2014 · by · 5 Comments

 

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Hi Ladies!

I know, this is somewhat of a random post…but us girls like to talk about hair sometimes. I’m totally good with that.

Here’s my story. So, last year I kind of let my hair go…a “natural ombre”, so to speak. On my birthday, my sweet grandma offered to get my hair highlighted.

*Please note, as tempting as it was to enhance these pictures- I did not. I wanted you to see the real color! 

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What happened was, because my hair was so dark at the root area, my highlights looked like stripes. Not only that, my hair still had an ombre appearance and the bottom of my hair was lighter than I would have liked.

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Because I have an olive skin tone, I look better with an “overall brunette” appearance… even though I tend to like some golden highlights throughout. So, I went to Sally’s Beauty Supply to see if they had something that could help me get the look I wanted.

I was hesitant because I’ve only colored my hair at home once and it was a MAJOR mishap. The lady recommended I use a color conditioning treatment called Roux Color Refresh Mask in Brown.

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All I did was wash my hair, then towel dried it. I put on plastic gloves and rubbed the entire packet throughout my hair, combed it and let it sit for 6 mins. It said 3 mins, but I checked my e-mail and you know how that goes….

Then, I rinsed it out and conditioned it. Here’s what it looked like! I was VERY pleased. It made my hair look like one color overall with natural highlights.

I thought I would mention that they also had colors for different kinds of blonde, brunette, and red. This would be a great option for those of you who want to add a reddish tint for the Fall, but you don’t want to spend a lot of money.

Enjoy! 

 

*Disclaimer, I was not asked to advertise this product, nor am I getting paid by Roux. I am however an affiliate of Amazon. 

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Filed Under: Comfy In My Jeans, Comfy Talk, Uncategorized · Tagged: , ,

Easy Chicken and Stuffing Bake

September 12, 2014 · by · Leave a Comment

 

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After I had our third munchkin, my sweet neighbor Faith brought this delicious meal over and boy, was it such a blessing for a tired, nursing mother.

I enjoyed it so much, I had to have the recipe and share it with you. It’s a great “make, take and bake” meals for meal ministry as well an a delicious comfort meal for your own family. Enjoy! 

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Make stuffing however you wish. You may choose to use Stovetop or a semi-homemade stuffing such as Pepperidge Farms (follow package directions). Butter a 9×13 and place prepared stuffing at the bottom. 

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Boil chicken breasts until just done (no pink, but still juicy). Slice fat off and cut into chunks, season with salt and pepper. Place on top of stuffing. 

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Combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream and 2 cups of water in a bowl and pour over chicken. Bake in a 325 oven for 40 mins until bubbly. 

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Mmmmm…..delicious. A family favorite that pleases even the little ones! 

Easy Chicken and Stuffing Bake
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • 6 chicken breasts
  • 14 oz Pepperidge Farms Stuffing (prepared) or 2 boxes of Stove Top (prepared)
  • 2 small cans of cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups water
  • salt and pepper
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 325.
  2. Boil chicken until just done, slice off fat, cut into chunks, season with salt and pepper.
  3. Prepare stuffing according to package directions. Place at the bottom of buttered 9×13.
  4. Place chicken on top of stuffing.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and water. This will make a gravy. Pour overtop.
  6. Bake uncovered for 40 mins until the edges start to bubble.
  7. Enjoy!!! Mmm….

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Filed Under: Entrees, Uncategorized · Tagged: ,

Banana Brownies with Browned Butter Icing

September 5, 2014 · by · 3 Comments

Image 8My dear mother-in-law recently e-mailed me this delish recipe. Ohhhhh, my- WOW. These brownies are so moist and the browned butter in the icing gives it a “Bananas Foster” taste. You simply must make this recipe…it’s a keeper.

Image 2Start off with your butter, sour cream, sugar and eggs. Beat well.

Image 4Mash 4 very ripe bananas.

Image 3Add them to the mix with vanilla.
Image 5Add your flour, baking soda and salt. Mix well. Bake in a greased 9×13 pan in a 375 oven for 25 mins or until lightly browned.

Image 6While brownies are baking, make your icing by browning your butter in a pan like so…make sure you use medium heat and let it simmer until it’s lightly browned.

 Image 7Pour butter in with 4 cups of powdered sugar, vanilla and milk. Mix well. Pour over top of warm brownies. 
Image 8This is serious. 

Banana Brownies with Browned Butter Icing
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 mashed bananas
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • Browned Butter Icing
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 3 Tbsp milk
Instructions
  1. Heat oven to 375
  2. Butter 9×13 pan
  3. Beat together sugar, sour cream, butter and eggs
  4. Mash bananas and add them into mixture with vanilla
  5. Add flour, baking soda and salt. Mix well
  6. Spread in prepared pan and bake for 25 mins or until lightly browned and done in the center
  7. To make the icing:
  8. Simmer butter in a sauce pan on medium heat until lightly browned
  9. Add butter to powdered sugar, vanilla and milk
  10. Mix well
  11. Pour over warm brownies
  12. Serve warm

 

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Filed Under: Breads, Breakfast, Cooking For A Crowd, Dessert, Kiddos, Uncategorized · Tagged: ,

Peanut Butter, Jelly, Banana & Toasted Marshmallow Pizza

August 27, 2014 · by · 3 Comments

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Ohhhh my, yum.

This is one of those dishes that you make “for the kids” and you end up eating yourself. The crust is a simple pita, so it literally takes no time at all for this delicious, toasty, peanutbuttery and melty concoction! Mmmm….it’s a recipe I make over and over again….for “the kids”. 

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Spread creamy peanut butter over a pita. Sprinkle with marshmallows.

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Set under a low broil in the oven until the marshmallows are lightly browned and the peanut butter is melted. Approximately 3-4 mins.

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Slice a fresh banana and place on top, drizzle with squeezable fruit spread.

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It goes quickly….

Peanut Butter, Jelly, Banana & Toasted Marshmallow Pizza
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • Pita bread
  • Peanut butter
  • Marshmallows
  • Bananas
  • Squeezable fruit spread
Instructions
  1. Set broiler to low heat
  2. Spread peanut butter on pita bread and sprinkle with marshmallows
  3. Broil for approximately 3-4 mins until marshmallow have melted and are lightly browned
  4. Slice fresh bananas and place on top
  5. Drizzle with fruit spread
  6. Serve immediately

 

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Filed Under: Breads, Breakfast, Dessert, Kiddos, Uncategorized, Wraps ·

Logos Bible Software Training

August 26, 2014 · by · Leave a Comment

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Ladies, I hope you will join us at the Logos Bible Software Training event! I will be there! We had such a blessed time with these amazing folks in Texas. You won’t want to miss it…

On September 3, Logos is hosting a free webinar to teach you how to more effectively study Scripture. You’ll be introduced to the tools used and loved by Kay Arthur, Lysa TerKeurst, June Hunt, and thousands of other women. You’ll leave feeling better equipped to study God’s Word.

“I’m stunned by its genius, thrilled that it’s easy to use. I don’t want anyone to neglect studying the Bible inductively—discovering truth for themselves—slowing down, meditating on the Word, falling more and more in love with God.” —Kay Arthur

“I have found in Logos Bible Software a gem that will help me to increase the efficacy of my Bible study and my preparation as a speaker and a writer.” —Gwen Smith

“It’s visual. It’s pictures, it’s maps. It’s like the Bible coming alive in front of you on your screen . . . I like books, but when you realize that this is all right here at your fingertips, it’s incredible.” —Liz Curtis Higgs

You don’t want to miss this! See how Logos can revolutionize your study—sign up today at http://logos.com/learnlogos.

Then be sure to invite your friends!

Facebook event or http://logos.com/learnlogos.

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Filed Under: Comfy Talk ·

Best Pulled Pork Ever {in the crockpot}

August 18, 2014 · by · 7 Comments

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I wish I could explain why I love pulled pork so much. It’s not the most “girlie” dish on the menu, but it sure is one of the most delicious. Adding that this recipe is made in the crockpot, pushes over the edge to my personal award of  “the best ever”.

Delicious and “comfy”  …gotta love it.

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You can serve this alone with sides of your choice {such as corn on the cobb,coleslaw, andcheesy potatoes}. Or, you can make it into a sandwich with fixins!

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Mmmm…..

 

 

Best Pulled Pork Ever {in the crockpot}
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 10
Ingredients
  • 5 lb Pork Butt Roast with bone
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Seasoned Salt
  • Garlic
  • Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce
Instructions
  1. Place your roast in a crock pot and cover with vinegar and water
  2. Sprinkle seasoned salt and garlic over top of roast
  3. Add 1/2 cup BBQ sauce to the top of roast
  4. Turn crock pot on low for 10 hours
  5. Flake meat off the bone (this will be easy- it will fall off), place in a large bowl and add 1/2 cup more of BBQ sauce and mix well
  6. Serve alone or as a sandwich

 

Related articles

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Filed Under: Cooking For A Crowd, Entrees, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Uncategorized, Wraps ·

Heartbreaking News About Robin Williams (Anxiety & Depression)

August 13, 2014 · by · Leave a Comment

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Hi Ladies,

A few days ago we were all informed of the solemn news that Robin Williams took his own life.

This really hit home for me for my life has personally been touched by suicide. There really are no words to explain the pain, sorrow and grief a person feels when a loved one dies this way.

As some of you know, I’m currently in my second year of getting a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling and this is a huge reason why. My heart is very heavy for people suffering with anxiety and depression.

Today,  I’d like to welcome a very dear friend of mine, Melissa Yoak from Dayspring Counseling. Melissa shares the same compassion for mental illness that I do. I cannot imagine how many lives she has helped save through the application of professional counseling techniques.  She’s a hero. 

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Melissa says: 

Precious Robin Williams and the other one million people who killed themselves worldwide this year, I grieve for you.

I grieve that you felt so hopeless that in your mind there was no other choice but death.

I grieve for the families you leave behind.  They must have so many unanswered questions.

I grieve that your depression and/or anxiety won the fight.

These past few days, we all have been bombarded with Facebook posts, blogs, quotes, and debates—all related to whether or not suicide is selfish or whether or not depression is a disease or a choice.

In my mind I ask…who cares? Does it really matter?  Someone who feels so hopeless and helpless that they will purposely terminate their own life makes my heart break.

Someone who feels so hopeless and helpless that they will purposely terminate their own life burdens me beyond measure.  It drives my desire to help hurting people even more – cry with them, pray with them, assure them they are going to get to the other side of the pain.Unfortunately, there is still a great societal stigma on mental illness, counseling, and therapy.  As a therapist, I see it. 
 
All. The. Time. 

Please click here for the rest of this post and to see what you can do to help yourself or someone else who is suffering from mental illness….

Melissa Yoak holds a Master of Arts Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from theUniversity of Akron and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Malone University. She is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). She is married to a minister of a local church and the mother of three children.
Thank you dear friend…


 

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Filed Under: Comfy Talk, Devotionals, Uncategorized ·

My Weekend @ The Women in Ministry Summit

August 8, 2014 · by · 6 Comments

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(Courtney, me and Darlene– Thank you to Stitch Fix for the beautiful shirt!)

Hi Ladies! I wanted to share with you what I’ve been up to this weekend. A few months ago, I got an e-mail invite to attend this year’s Women in Ministry Summit sponsored by Logos Bible Software. So, I RSVP’d with an “are you sure you have the right person?”

Humbly, I would like to share with you about this amazing weekend….

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Kay Arthur opened our session with joy, enthusiasm, humor, concern and personality. She was honestly one of the most personable people I’ve ever met in my life. Although I knew I would leave gaining much from her, I would have never guessed how much I sincerely enjoyed being around her. She is absolutely stunning from the inside out…more than possibly her readers know. I felt so comforted, accepted, and encouraged by her.

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Not only did Logos Bible Software give us a free download, they also took precious time teaching us how to learn it, and provided this special weekend for us. They gave us a delicious welcome bag filled with goodies when we arrived the first night.

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Heidi St.John and Sally Clarkson were also at our table. Amazing and absolutely beautiful women who have hearts for the Lord. It was such a blessing spending time with them.

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My “roomies” with Kay! Courtney from Women Living Well and Darlene from Time Warp Wife. Ahhhh….love these women.

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Heidi and I getting “photo bombed” by Ray from Logos. We were cracking up! Logos is made up of the most kind and genuine people- they were so fun to be around and did an amazing job putting on this conference.

What a sweet blessing to meet Heidi- she is so inspiring, beautiful, and kind.

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Ahhh….Jen from Unveiled Wife! I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to not only meet her but spend quality time with her. She has the most precious and obedient heart for God…I honestly cannot say enough about her. She has a new fan in me.

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Every time Darlene and I get together we laugh about the differences between US and Canada- she had no idea what a “jo-jo” was. So, we did what we always do and laughed.

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I also wanted to share with you an excellent idea for your get togethers! Logos supplied us with a “Trail Mix Bar” during our time between meals. Isn’t this great!?

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It made me think about how often women get together and feel anxious about making something to bring. What an amazing idea to simply ask everyone to bring a jar of 1 ingredient and place it on a table like so? 
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Sweet and savory is my favorite. Thanks again Logos!

 

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Filed Under: Comfy Talk, Devotionals, Uncategorized ·

More “Cost-Comfy” Containers

August 4, 2014 · by · 4 Comments

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My last post brought in some great responses and suggestions on how to be “cost-comfy” delivering a meal ministry. I went over to my local “Dollar General” to show you some more examples of how to get the most from your money when packing up your food items. 

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Foil pans are the most common in meal ministry.

Here we have 1 pan for $1.25 (or 2 for $2.50). Depending on what you make in these, you can use them over again. For example, if I were making a fruit salad– I would wash it and keep it. However, if I were baking mac n cheese- not so much. The foil changes shape and doesn’t hold well after baking. GFS sells these quite a bit cheaper. 

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These ones were $1 a piece.

To be honest, I’m not in love with these for meal ministry, however I do purchase them when I am helping with an event. They are great to pack up left-over food to send home with people at the event. For example, when we have a bridal shower and there is half a cake left- I bring small foil containers and send a piece home with guests.

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I spotted this cute little serving tray for $2 and had to share. This would work great for chocolate chip cookies wrapped in plastic wrap, then tulle, finished a bow. Inexpensive enough to give, yet pretty enough to keep! 
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Bah! Just say NO!

I know it’s tempting…but don’t even go there. These tupperware containers are reusable and fine to purchase for home use, but don’t spend the money on them for meal ministry- unless you want to give them away (which is totally fine). 

The bowls above, however would work great. You could make some dirt pudding and wrap it up with plastic wrap and give it away. That is a $4 difference! (That’s a little over a gallon of gas!) 

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Again- $7 for one tupperware container. Grrrr…..this is Dollar General! I’ve seen this same container double the price at a chain supermarket. 

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I saw these cute little colanders for $1 and thought they would be great to wash cherries in and give them away with the container. They can be used again and are sturdy and cute. 
I hope these posts have helped shed some light on how to get the most bang for your buck! I’d love to hear more from you on your ideas! 

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Filed Under: Comfy Talk, Cooking For A Crowd, Meal Ministry, Organizing, Uncategorized ·

How to Make “Meal Ministry” Affordable

July 31, 2014 · by · 10 Comments


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One of the most common questions I get about meal ministry is about the cost. Food is expensive, but not only that the cost of packing it up can be just as expensive. Some throw-away containers are more costly than glass containers that can be used over again.

Here are a few examples I found at Marc’s that I wanted to share with you. When you’re out and about- keep your eyes peeled, then just stock pile good deals away for when you might use them.

It saves money and just makes sense.

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Look at these beautiful cups with saucers- for just $1.99 for a pair! I immediately thought “Housewarming gift” – buy 6 for just $12. 

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This fruit bowl is adorable. For just $2.99, you can’t purchase a throw-away for under that. I would fill it with fruit salad for someone who is not feeling well and let them keep the dish. 

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The beautiful dish I shared at the top of the post was just $2.99 – again, a throw-away is pricier! I would make a calzone and wrap it on this plate and let my friend keep it. 

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Do you know of a child who could use a “pick me up”? These little sundae bowls are precious. For just 99 cents, I would buy 6, bring over ice cream and some toppings….

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Creamed Chicken Crepes are one of my most sought after recipes- but they are hard to transport! For just 67 cents a piece these crepe dishes are worth buying.

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Isn’t this a beautiful tray? If you have more than one thing to transport $4.99 is a deal. You could unload it and keep it yourself, or give it as a gift with the meal items. 
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This cute little basket was $4.97 – it would work great filled with sugar cookies for a little girl who isn’t feeling well.

Where do you get the best deals?! 


 

 

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Filed Under: Learning the Basics, Meal Ministry, Uncategorized ·
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