WEEK TEN: PEACE

First and foremost, I want to remind everyone to mark your calendars for our Chili Cook-Off! Don't forget to tell your family members so they can mark their calendars as well...

WHEN: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10th at 6:00
WHERE: RACHAEL'S HOUSE (I WILL SEND OUT DIRECTIONS PERSONALLY)
WHAT TO BRING: CHILI!!!! We currently need 2 more chili contenders for the cook-off and a few more side items. I will be in touch to finalize the sign-up sheet next week.
WHO: YOU AND YOUR IMMEDIATE FAMILY (SPOUSE, KID(S), SIGNIFICANT OTHER...)

Also, please remember to bring your Operation Christmas Child shoebox to the church in the next couple of weeks. It is suggested to make one shoebox for each member in your family. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

We had a great time this week, and were so happy to have a visitor with us, Laura's best friend Janice!

Left to right: Camdyn, Rachael, Janice, Janet, Sharon, Julie, Caleb, Laura, & Misty

Janice, Caleb being enamored with Misty, & Julie

Pretty ladies! (Sharon & Janet)

A very rare sighting of me holding a baby

Delish!

My mouth is watering...

This week we covered the two chapters in Kelly Minter's The Fitting Room on peace. As an overall reminder, each week we are making our way through the virtues outlined in Colossians 3:12-15 which says "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Here are some highlights from our discussion plus some excerpts from the chapters:

• Key words to define peace: completeness, soundness, tranquility, fullness, rest, harmony, and (my favorite) the absence of agitation or discord.
• Jesus Christ is the true, sole source of our peace. Christ is the only way to God and the forgiveness of sin and all our future hope as Christians lie in this truth. There is no peace if there is not first grace, because it is through this grace that we are forgiven and can have a secure relationship with God, and that relationship brings peace to our restless souls.
• Paul writes in Romans 5:1 "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Since God sees Jesus' righteousness when He looks upon His children, we have peace with Him. Peace with God means we have a restored relationship with Him. Intimacy that is unbroken by sin. When Jesus takes that sin away, peace is given.
• When waves of disruption play havoc with our lives, only God can give us the deep, abiding peace that we need. The problem is, most of the time we're willing to settle for a much weaker version of it. We'll drink the extra glass of wine or spend an hour of fruitless chatter, hashing through our troubles with a friend. But all along, God wants to speak deeply to what is troubling us and desires to give us His peace which "transcends all understanding" (Phil. 4:7).
• It is the Lord who grants us peace, a gift that comes solely from Him. This is vital to understand because often times we think that peace comes in our lives when we're healthy, happy, wealthy, whole, and everyone around us is doing exactly what we need them to. But biblical peace is far more then things falling into place. It's a steadying anchor even in turbulent waters. It has little to do with external circumstances and everything to do with the voice and nearness of God.
• Worldly possessions and thoughts may delude us into thinking that they can provide security and freedom from anxiety. Yet all the time they are the very source of all anxiety.
• "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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8-9
• Living our lives in accordance with the will and commands of God, as He has outlined for us clearly in Scripture, will bring us true peace. Living without peace is often a direct result of not following the loving commands of God. If we are not following His commands, remember that God is eager to restore peace to our troubled hearts. If you are longing to find inner peace once again, confess your sin to Him and peace will be your reward.

I know that was longer than usual, but you have to remember that it covered two chapters :) 

Now, let's talk about these delicious recipes!!!

NO BAKE COOKIES

Contributed by: Julie Conn

Cook to boil:

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup cocoa

1/4 cup butter

1/2 cup milk

Add while hot:

1/2 cup peanut butter

3 cups instant oats

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup chopped nuts (if desired)

Drop on greased pan until firm.

Approx. 30 mins; Serves 6-8

BACON AND CHEESE APPETIZERS

Contributed by: Laura McInish

2 - 10 oz cans of biscuits

8 oz cream cheese

8 to 10 slices of bacon

2 tbsp milk

3 tbsp onion

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Divide each biscuit into 2 parts and flatten into mini muffin pan. Mix all other ingredients well and place a small amount of mixture on each flattened biscuit. Bake on 350 until biscuit is browned.

Approx. 30 mins; Serves 8-10

BUFFALO CHICKEN CASSEROLE

Contributed by: Mallory Bradley

1 to 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/3 cup Frank's hot sauce
1 - 32 oz bag frozen southern-style hash brown potatoes, thawed (I used Publix brand)
1 cup light ranch dressing (or blue cheese if desired)
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 (10 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
A few handfuls of finely crushed corn flakes (you can make the crust as thick or sparse as your prefer)
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

In a large bowl, stir together the potatoes, ranch dressing, cheese, soup, salt and pepper; blend well. Spoon into a 9x13 greased baking dish. In the same bowl, stir together chicken pieces and hot sauce to coat. Arrange chicken pieces over potato mixture. Top with corn flakes and butter. Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 20 to 25 minutes longer or until the potatoes are tender and chicken is no longer pink when centers of thickest pieces are cut. Broil for 1-2 minutes to make crust crispy.
Approx. 1.5 hrs; Serves 8-10


PEANUT BUTTER PIE
Contributed by: Janet Posey

1 large tub Cool Whip
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup peanut butter
Graham cracker crust

Blend all ingredients together well and pour in graham cracker crust. Refrigerate over night.
Approx. 15 mins; Makes 1 pie


PINWHEELS
Contributed by: Janet Posey

1 - 8 oz cream cheese
1 - 8 oz sour cream
1 small can chopped black olives
1 small can diced green chiles
Flour tortillas

Blend together and spread over flour tortillas. Roll and slice.
Approx. 15 mins; Serves 10-12


PUMPKIN BREAD
Contributed by: Rachael Nichols

2/3 cup shortening              
1 ½ tsp salt
2 2/3 cup sugar
½ tsp baking powder
4 eggs
1 tsp cinnamon
1 can pumpkin(2 cups)
1 tsp cloves
2/3 cup water
2 2/3 cup chopped nuts
3 1/3 cup all purpose flour
2/3 cup raisins
2 tsp baking soda

Heat oven to 350. Grease 2 9x5x2” loaf pans. In large bowl cream shortening and sugar until fluffy. Stir in eggs, pumpkin, and water. Blend in flour, soda, salt, baking powder, cinnamon and cloves. Stir in nuts and raisins. Pour into pans. Bake about 70 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Enjoy!
Approx. 100 mins; Serves 8-10


MINI PIZZAS
Contributed by: Sharon Evans

4 to 5 tortillas
1 jar pizza sauce
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Sliced pepperonis
1 tsp each basil and oregano
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. Cut circles out of tortilla with a biscuit/cookie cutter, and press into muffin tin. Mix pizza sauce and spices together and drop spoonful of sauce onto each tortilla circle, sprinkle with mozzarella and add pepperonis or other topping of choice on top. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Approx. 30 mins; Serves 8-10

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Tonight, I leave you with two things:

1. A picture of my Buddy.

2. The word of God. Philippians 4:6 tells us "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Lord, I come to you in prayer tonight with sincere humility and awe. Thank you for who you are. Thank you for what you've done for me. I pray that you be with me this week and in the weeks to come and give me the peace that only you are able to provide.

I'm reminded of one of my favorite hymns:

When peace like a river attendeth my way;

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!

My sin, not in part but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,

Even so, it is well with my soul.

WEEK NINE: MORE FELLOWSHIP

We had yet another great week with our Tis So Sweet life group filled with delicious food & great fellowship. Just look at all these lovely ladies! How can you not have a great time!

Left to right: Tamija, Julie, Laura, Stephanie, Taishira, Montavia, Meghan, Marian & Misty

And of course Buddy felt left out so Mom got a picture with her "granddog"

Me and Misty

Marian & Julie

Yum!!

Our "discussion" time was really more of fellowship time, filling each other in on what's been going on in our lives. We decided to wait and cover the two chapters on peace together in one week. So stay tuned for discussion of chapters 8 & 9 next Sunday, Oct. 21st.

So, without further adieu, here are the recipes from this week:

CHICKEN TACO WHEELS
Contributed by: Misty Adams

2 - 8 oz blocks cream cheese
1 can chicken, drained
1 pkg taco seasoning
Soft tortilla shells

Blend cream cheese, chicken, and taco seasoning well, and spread onto tortillas. Roll up tortillas and place in refrigerator for approx. 30 mins. Cut off the ends and then slice the rest of the rolls into 1/2 inch pinwheels.
Approx. 45 mins; Serves 8-10


GRAPE SALAD
Contributed by: Marian Dodson

1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup sour cream
1 cup chopped pecans
1 lb. seedless green grapes
1 lb. seedless red grapes

In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, & sour cream, stirring until smooth. In a large bowl, combine grapes and pecans. Pour cream cheese mixture over grapes, tossing gently to coat. Cover and chill.
Approx. 20 mins; Serves 8-10


CORN CASSEROLE #1 (cornbread style)
Contributed by: Meghan Handley

1 - 15 1/4 oz can whole kernel corn, drained
1 - 14 3/4 oz can cream-style corn
1 - 8 oz pkg Jiffy corn muffin mix
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar

Preheat oven to 350. Mix together the corn, Jiffy, sour cream & butter in a large bowl. Stir in the cheese. Pour into a greased 9x9 baking dish or a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. Bake for 55 mins, or until golden brown and set. Let stand 5 mins before serving. NOTE: If baking in a 9x13 dish, the texture will be different than baking in the 2 quart casserole. The 9x13 will be thin slices where the 2 quart produces more or a corn pudding. Either way is delicious.
Approx. 1 hour; Serves 8-10


CORN CASSEROLE #2 (not cornbread style, more like creamed corn texture)
Contributed by: Laura McInish

1 stick of butter
1 - 8 oz block of cream cheese
12 oz pkg of white shoe peg corn
Ritz crackers, crumbled

Melt butter and cream cheese. Stir in corn and pour mixture into a 9x9 casserole dish, top with crumbled ritz crackers and bake on 375 for approx. 30 mins.
Approx. 45 mins; Serves 8-10


CARAMEL DIP
Contributed by: Laura McInish

1 - 8 oz block of cream cheese
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Green apples, sliced

Mix ingredients well until smooth and serve with sliced green apples.
Approx. 15 mins; Serves 8-10


APPLE CRISP
Contributed by: Julie Conn

2 cans apple pie filling
1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter

Mix together cake mix, brown sugar, and butter until crumbly. Put pie filling in casserole dish and cover with crumbly cake mixture. Bake at 350 for 50 mins. NOTE: You can substitute your favorite fruit pie filling.
Approx. 1 hour; Serves 10-12


MEXICAN SKILLET
Contributed by: Mallory Bradley

2 chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
2 cups Bird's Eye frozen pepper stir fry (or you could use fresh peppers, but I choose the lazy route)
1 can Southwestern corn, drained
1 can chicken broth
8 oz (1/2 jar) Pace Medium chunky salsa
1 1/2 cup Minute white rice
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Wickles banana pepper rings, optional (but highly suggested!!)
Jalapeno peppers, optional
Salt & pepper to taste

Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in large skillet. Add chicken, stir fry peppers, and desired amount of banana peppers & jalapenos. Cook until chicken is done. (NOTE: The frozen peppers being thawed/cooked may cause more liquid than desired in the skillet; just drain it or soak it up with a paper towel out of the skillet. You don't have to get it all out; it will cook into the rest of it.) Add corn, broth, salsa, salt & pepper. Stir and bring to a boil. Stir in rice, remove from heat & cover for 5 minutes (NO LESS). Fluff with fork & add cheese.
Approx. 30 mins; Serves 6-8
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I leave you tonight with two things:

1. A picture of my sweet Buddy.

2. The word of God. Since we are going to discuss peace next week, I will leave you with a Scripture sneak-peek: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Lord, I am so thankful for your vision for my life. I thank you for bringing me to Flint Hill and for the vision you have given our pastor and church staff. Thank you for each lady who has come to our life group and for the relationships that we have built. I pray your peace upon each of them. Amen.

WEEK EIGHT: FORGIVENESS

We had such a great meeting this week. My husband "judges" the leftovers and he said that this was the best food week yet. And p.s. he said the Mississippi Mud was the best! Here are a few pics from our fabulous fellowship time.

Here's the group when I thought Rachael couldn't come...even Buddy got in the picture!!!

Left to Right (below): Melissa, Buddy & Laura, Julie, Misty, and Jessica

Then Rachael made it (YAY!) and brought the twins (DOUBLE YAY!)

So we had to take another group picture...

And of course a few pictures with the twins...

Left to right (below): Laura, Camdyn, Me & Caleb

Left to right (below): Caleb, Misty, Jessica & Camdyn

Caleb getting cozy with Julie during our fellowship (below)

And, of course, all of the yummy food we had!!!

Our discussion time this week was on chapters 6 & 7: forgiveness. The summary on the blog will be short because most of our discussion time involved personal testimonies that are obviously confidential. I will say that I found it very comforting to see how our relationships have evolved in our life group such that when one person is open about their struggles, the other ladies are always so encouraging and uplifting. I can really see the purpose of our life group flourishing: to build long-lasting relationships with sisters in Christ. And for that, I am thankful.

There were a few running themes throughout our conversations that I will share:

• Forgiveness is easier said that done, but it is possible. We see that it is possible through Christ's example. 
• Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life here on Earth. Yet He willingly got up on a cross and took the punishment for the world's sins - past present and future - for you and me. He was the ultimate sacrifice so that we may have eternal life not apart from God. If He can get on a cross and in His last dying breaths say "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do", then surely we can forgive our neighbor when we ourselves have been shown such forgiveness. (Again, please refer to point above about easier said that done; I'm not claiming that it's easy, but it's doable.)
• Forgiving others who have hurt you does not mean that you are saying what they did wasn't wrong, or that they are good people. It also does not mean that things will go back to normal or that you are allowing yourself to trust that person again. No, forgiveness is not for the person that hurt you. Forgiveness is for you. It is allowing yourself to let go of the hurt, let go of the grudge, let go of the bitterness. It's about placing the wrongs against us, not back in the hands of our enemies, but in the hands of God.

I know I teased you with talk of Mississippi Mud in the beginning, so here's what you've been waiting for...the recipes of the week! Prepare to drool...

MISSISSIPPI MUD

Contributed by: Laura McInish

1 box brownie mix (don't forget the ingredients that the mix calls for...look at the box)

1 - 10 oz pkg marshmallows

1/2 cup butter

1/3 cup cocoa

1/2 cup evaporated milk

1 tsp vanilla

1 box confectioners sugar

Bake brownie mix in a 9x13 dish according to box. With about 5 minutes to go, remove from the oven and pour the marshmallows on top. Place back in the oven for no longer than 2 mins - marshmallows don't need to be melted, just heated. Bring butter, cocoa, and milk just to the boiling point, then beat in the confectioners sugar. Pour icing over marshmallows. Works best if made the day before serving.

Approx. 45 mins; Serves 8-10

ITALIAN PASTA SALAD

Contributed by: Melissa Loats

2 tomatoes, cubed

1 cucumber, peeled and cubed

1 green pepper, cubed

1 small can black olives, drained and sliced

1 pkg dry Italian dressing mix (next to the Ranch packets in the salad dressing aisle)

1 cup Italian dressing

1 box pasta

Mix veggies in a bowl with dry dressing packet and let marinate over night. Cook and drain pasta, let cool. Mix all together and gradually add Italian salad dressing. Serve chilled.

Approx. 45 mins (plus marinate overnight); Serves 8-10


RED BEANS AND RICE
Contribted by: Rachael Nichols

1 pkg Knorr (formerly Lipton) Cajun Sides Red Beans & Rice
1 pkg Eckrich Polska Kielbasa
Your favorite spices (Rachael uses Tony Chachere's, garlic salt, cajun seasoning, onion salt, black pepper, and red pepper)

Slice Kielbasa sausage into desired size and place into pot. Add spices and add Knorr package. Stir and cook as directed on the Knorr package. The sausage will cook with the rice. Enjoy! If you need more, just add one package of sausage for every package of Knorr.
Approx. 30 mins; Serves 8-10

LOADED "NOT-BAKED" POTATO SALAD

Contributed by: Julie Conn

2 bags frozen hash browns

Ranch dressing*

Bacon*

Green onions*

Shredded cheese*

*Measure to taste preference

Cook hash browns with onions in a large skillet according to package. Allow potatoes to cool (Julie put them in the freezer for 30 mins). Put potatoes in large bowl and add ranch dressing, bacon, green onions, shredded cheese. Serve warm or cold - it's good either way!

Approx. 30 mins; Serves 10-12

BLUEBERRY MUFFINS WITH LEMON FROSTING
Contributed by: Jessica Everett

COMPOTE:
1 small produce container of blueberries
3 tbsp sugar

Wash & drain blueberries, add to pot, add sugar, and a little bit of water to make it all blend together. Let it sit on medium heat and the blueberries will start to burst. Stir and let cool.

CAKE:
2 3/4 cup flour
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter or shortening
1 2/3 cup sugar
5 egg whites
2 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 cup milk

Combine butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Mix well then add the milk. Take 1/2 of the compote and reserve the rest. Put the batter in cupcake cups about 2/3 full and then spoon reserved compote on top (approx. 1 tsp each). Bake at 350 for approx. 15 mins or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool.

FROSTING:
2 sticks butter, room temperature
1 lb powdered sugar
Zest of 1 lemon
1/2 zest of an orange
Juice of the same whole lemon and half orange

Mix well. Top on cooled cupcakes and enjoy!

PIMENTO CHEESE

Contributed by: Mallory Bradley

16 oz reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese

3/4 cup reduced-fat cottage cheese (small curd)

2 tbsp reduced-fat milk

1 jalapeno, minced

2 tbsp onion, minced

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

1 - 4 oz jar diced pimentos, drained

1 - 2 oz jar diced pimentos, drained

Blend cottage cheese and milk in a food processor until smooth. Mix with shredded cheddar. Stir in remainder of ingredients and cover. Refrigerate for at least an hour, overnight preferred.

Approx. 45 mins; Serves 12-15

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I leave you tonight with two things:

1. A picture of Buddy. This is his "serious look"

2. The word of God. "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
Thank you for your word, Lord. Help me to dwell on it this week and give thanks in all circumstances. Amen.

WEEK SEVEN: FELLOWSHIP & BEACH TRIP

Week seven was a little different for our group. I went to the beach for vacation with the in-laws so my lovely mom hosted the Tis So Sweet crew at her house. I'm so thankful for my mom and all she does for me. Looks like they had a lot of fun!!

L to R: Julie, Meghan, Sharon, Laura & Janet
*Not pictured: Mom (Marian)

Since I wasn't there, I can't really give commentary on what all was discussed, but I did hear through the grapevine that everyone had a great time of fellowship. I definitely missed you ladies and am very much looking forward to next week!

Before I share the recipes, here's a little recap of our beach trip:
DAY ONE was great! We had awesome weather all day and then me, Chip (my husband), Brent & Marianne (Chip's sister & her husband) went to eat at the Original Oyster House while Chip's parents kept Ty (our nephew).

Brent and Ty playing in the ocean with an audience of seagulls.

We stayed at the Phoenix West which was great! It had a lazy river that included this awesome slide that Brent is trying to talk Ty into going down.

DAY TWO was great as well. Another day full of sunshine on the beach.

You can't see them too well, but on the way to the beach, I spotted this family of butterflies :)

Perfection.

Ty-Bug having fun on the beach!

DAY THREE the weather was not so great. Marianne, Brent & Ty went home that morning. I got up early and went to watch my tennis friends win the state championship, Chip & his dad went fishing on the pier for a bit until the rain came, and then we were pretty much stuck inside most of the day because of rain. But later that night we went to eat at Bahama Bob's which was really good and then Chip's parents kicked our butts in a couple of games of spades.

Chip and his dad watching the storm roll in from the balcony.

Enjoying Bahama Bob's with the in-laws!

DAY FOUR the weather was slightly better, but not much. Although the rain had stopped and the sun peeked out most of the day, it was still really, really windy (I would guess 25 mph wind). Since it was our last day, I was determined to get a little more beach time. But I could only stand the sand storm for about an hour and a half before I had to come in. We went to King Neptune's for dinner, Dippin' Dots for dessert, and then played a couple more games of spades.

Here's my attempt to fight the wind and enjoy the beach one more time...

But it didn't last too long...

So we went to King Neptune's instead! Yum!

All in all we had a great trip and I am thankful for the time of rest. But like I said before, I did miss our group and judging by the pictures and recipes, it sounds like I missed out on some delicious food!! So now, I present to you (drumroll please...) the RECIPES OF THE WEEK!

SLOW COOKER POTATO SOUP

Contributed by: Sharon Evans

4 lbs red potatoes, cubed with peels on

8 cups water

1 heaping tbsp broth base

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper

3/4 tsp minced garlic

2 - 8 oz pkgs cream cheese

Bacon bits, grated cheese, & green onion, optional

Combine all ingredients except cream cheese in slow cooker, cover and cook on high 4 hours. Stir in cream cheese and cover, stirring occasionally until all is dissolved. Serve with bacon bits, grated cheese & green onion (or whatever other topping you prefer). *For fat free soup, use fat free cream cheese & skip the cheese and bacon.

Approx. 4.5 hours; Serves 10-12

HAWAIIAN TURKEY & HAM SLIDERS

Contributed by: Marian Dodson

1 pkg King's Hawaiian dinner rolls

3/4 lb Deli Turkey or Ham (shaved)
1 pkg thin sliced swiss cheese
1 stick butter
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp minced onion
1 tbsp poppyseed
1 tbsp Grey Poupon Mustard

Slice whole sheet of Hawaiian Rolls into 2 sections (top & bottom halves) using bread knife. Heat butter, sugar, onion, poppy seed & mustard on low until melted. Brush sauce on both sides of bread with a pastry brush. Add turkey, top with cheese, and put top half of rolls back on top to make sandwiches. Wrap sandwich rolls in foil & bake at 300 degrees for 30 minutes. Pull apart and serve warm.
Approx. 45 mins; Makes 12 mini-sandwiches


ORANGE FRUIT DIP
Contributed by: Julie Conn

24 oz plain yogurt
1 box orange jello

Mix thoroughly and enjoy with fruit of choice.
Approx. 10 mins; Serves 8-10


TACO SOUP
Contributed by: Meghan Handley

1 - 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 - 15 oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 - 14.5 oz can petite diced tomatoes, drained
1 - 15.25 oz can sweet corn, drained
1 - 12.5 oz can white chicken breast, drained
1 - 10.75 oz can cream of chicken soup
1 - 10 oz can green enchilada sauce
1 - 14 oz can chicken broth
1 packet taco seasoning

Mix all ingredients together in a large pot and heat until warm, stirring occasionally. Serve with tortilla chips.
Approx. 30 mins; Serves 10-12


SEVEN LAYER SALAD
Contributed by: Janet Posey

1 pkg salad mix or 1 head of lettuce, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
1-2 bell peppers, sliced or chopped
1 pkg finely shredded cheddar
1 can English peas, drained
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
2 tbsp sugar
Bacon bits

Layer dish with first five ingredients. Top with mixture of mayo, sour cream, and sugar. Top with bacon bits. Repeat.
Approx. 30 mins; Serves 8-10


SWEET ROLLS
Contributed by: Laura McInish

1 - 13.9 oz can orange sweet rolls

Take each roll and cut in four parts. Place all parts in round pie pan. Bake on 375 for 15 to 19 mins. Let cool for approx. 5 mins. Spread icing over them and serve.
Approx. 30 mins; Serves 8-10

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I leave you tonight with two things:

1. A picture of my dog, Buddy. In honor of the upcoming hunting season, here is Buddy "hunting" for bugs in the backyard:

2. The Word of God. Tonight I would like to reflect on the purpose of the life and death of Jesus Christ.

"...He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth." Isaiah 53:2-7

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believes stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son." John 3:16-18

Father, I am so unworthy of your love and mercy, yet you love me enough to send your perfect Son into this world to take the fall. To take the penalty for my iniquities. I am so undeserving of your love, yet you continue to pour out your blessings. Thank you. Thank you for your love, your grace, your mercy. Thank you Jesus for taking on the pain and suffering in your death that I so deserve. All praise, honor, and glory be to your name.