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 TWO: AWESOME

Awesome. That's the word that I would use to describe the second week of our 'Tis So Sweet life group. Not in the valley girl "Oh-em-gee! That was like totally awesome!" sense, but in the true sense of the word: remarkable, outstanding, worthy of awe or reverence. Here's why:

First, the food.

We tasted so many great recipes that I am very excited to share with you! My husband would like to take a moment to thank each of your for your contributions to our dinner menu :) Just thinking about all the awesome food we had is making me hungry...

*PAUSE FOR A SNACK BREAK*

...okay I'm back. Next, the fellowship. We had a great time getting to know each other better, including several new faces that joined us this week! Talking about food and family with these awesome ladies - I can't think of a better way to spend a Sunday night.

Lastly, and most importantly, the Holy Spirit. I was so blessed by our discussion and prayer time. One lady shared a prayer request for a family member with cancer, and without hesitation, one of our new members shared her powerful testimony where [the short version] she was 3 months pregnant, literally died/flat-lined, and came back to life, went through only a month of physical rehab (after the 3rd visit with the PT she was told she didn't need any more!), and now she and her 3 year old daughter are perfectly fine and walking testimonies of how good our God is. She reminded us that He still performs miracles, and she encouraged us all not to ever lose faith or hope in our Lord. Awesome.

Now, let's get back to that good food I was talking about! Here are the recipes you've all been waiting for! And this time, I actually remembered to take pictures of each dish before we devoured them. However, some of the pictures did not do the food justice, because it was just with my cell phone, so I stole some of the pics off Google or Pinterest again :)

CHICKEN & RANCH CHEESEBALL
Contributed by: Misty Dawn

2 - 8 oz blocks of cream cheese (she used 1/3 reduced fat)
1 - 12.5 oz can of chicken
1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch Dip
Small pack chopped pecans

Place cream cheese into a large mixing bowl. Open, drain, and shred can of chicken; add to cream cheese. Add ranch packet. Mix WELL with hands and form into a ball. Dump pecans into a medium bowl and roll cheeseball around in it until well coated. Serve with wheat thins.
Approx. 15 mins; Serves 10-12


CHICKEN CASSEROLE
Contributed by: Janet Posey

3 boneless chicken breast cooked (Janet boils the chicken with salt, pepper & chicken bullion cube)

1 can cream of chicken or mushroom soup
8 oz sour cream
1 sleeve ritz crackers or club crackers
1 stick butter

Cut cooked chicken into bite size pieces & put in the bottom of casserole dish. Mix can of soup with sour cream & pour over chicken. Melt 1 stick of butter & mix with crumbled crackers then put cracker mixture on top of sour cream mixture. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
Approx. 1 hour; Serves 10-12


LEMON BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
Contributed by: Jessica Everett

BREAD-
1-1/2 cups + 1 tbsp all purpose flour, divided
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup plain yogurt
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
2 tsp lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1-1/2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen
LEMON SYRUP-
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup sugar
LEMON GLAZE-
1 cup powdered sugar
3-4 tbsp fresh lemon juice

**NOTE: the following recipe calls for a loaf, but Jessica used a muffin tin and only baked for 15-20 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease the bottom and sides of a 9×5″ loaf pan, dust with flour, and tap out excess.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, vanilla, and oil.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet. In a separate bowl mix the blueberries with the 1 tbsp of flour and then gently fold them into the mixed batter.
- Pour the batter into the pan and bake 50-55 minutes, or until cake tester comes out clean.
- Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the loaf is cooling, combine the lemon juice and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until sugar is dissolved, and then continue cooking for another 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Use a toothpick to poke holes in the tops and sides of the warm loaf and brush with the lemon syrup. Continue to brush the loaf until all of the syrup is added.
- To make the lemon glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice and pour over the top of the loaf. Let the lemon glaze harden before serving.
Approx. 45 mins; Makes 24 muffins


BUFFALO CHICKEN PASTA SALAD
Contributed by: Sharon Evans

Cook 1 (16 oz.) box of Rotini noodles (or your favorite type noodle) as directed on box then place in colander and flash with cold water.

Mix together until creamy:
1 Jar Blue Cheese Salad Dressing
½ - ¾ Bottle Texas Pete Hot Sauce

Chop 1 red onion and 5 celery stalks
Mix with noodles and 2 cans of chicken breast meat- drained (or you can cook your own).
Mix in dressing mixture and salt and pepper to taste.
Chill and serve.
Approx. 45 mins; Serves 12-15


SLOW-COOKER JAMBALAYA
Contributed by: Meghan Handley
 
1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut up into small pieces
1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
1- 28oz can diced tomatoes with juice
1 large onion, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup chicken broth
2 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp dried parsley
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 cup instant rice

1. Place all ingredients except rice in slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
2. Cook rice according to package instructions. Add rice, as desired, into each individual serving of jambalaya. Store rice separately from rest of stew.
Approx. 7-8 hours; Serves 10-12


MINI CHICKEN N' BROCCOLI PIES
Contributed by: Melissa Loats

CHICKEN-BROCCOLI MIXTURE-
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 cup Green Giant® frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz)

BAKING MIXTURE-
1/2 cup Original Bisquick® mix
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 12 regular-size muffin cups with cooking spray.
2. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in oil 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink in center. Add onion; cook 2 to 3 minutes. Add broccoli, salt and pepper, stirring occasionally, until mixture is heated through. Cool 5 minutes; stir in cheese.
3. In medium bowl, stir baking mixture ingredients with whisk or fork until blended. Spoon 1 scant tablespoon baking mixture into each muffin cup. Top with about 1/4 cup chicken-broccoli mixture. Spoon 1 tablespoon baking mixture onto chicken-broccoli mixture in each muffin cup.
4. Bake about 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and tops are golden brown. Cool 5 minutes. With thin knife, loosen sides of pies from pan; remove from pan and place top sides up on cooling rack. Cool 10 minutes longer, and serve.
Approx. 1 hour; Serves 8-10


DENISE'S MEXICAN CASSEROLE
Contributed by: Mallory Bradley/Danielle Carter

1-5 oz bag Mahatma yellow rice
1 lb ground beef
1 package McCormick chili seasoning
1-15 oz can tomato sauce
1 can cheddar cheese soup
1/2 cup milk

Cook yellow rice according to package. Brown hamburger meat. Add in tomato sauce and chili seasoning to meat. Pour cooked rice into bottom of greased 8x8 casserole dish, then add meat mixture on top. Mix together cheese soup & milk and pour on top. Bake for approx. 20-25 mins at 350 until cheese is melted.
Approx. 45 mins; Serves 8-10


PUMPKIN CAKE/BREAD
Contributed by: Julie Conn

1 can pumpkin puree
1 box yellow cake mix (Julie used Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe)
*NOTE cake mix also calls for:

1 Cup Water

1/3 Cup Vegetable Oil

3 Large Eggs

Mix ingredients and bake according to directions on cake mix box.
Approx. 30 mins; Serves 8-10
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I leave you today with two things:

1. A picture of my dog, Buddy. This is what he looks like when I'm cooking in the kitchen (when he's not busy trying to eat everything I drop!)

2. The word of God. Jeremiah 29:11 says "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Lord, I thank you for the plans you have for my life, although I may not fully understand them all the time. I thank you for the divine plan you have for our friend's life in that you kept her here on this Earth and brought her to our group to share her encouraging story. Please be with each and every one of these special ladies and their families this week. I thank you for putting each of them in my life. I life up this song and prayer to you: "You are amazing. More than amazing. Forever our God, you're more than enough. You are amazing."