Chicken Ranch Casserole

Hello! 

Today I'd like to share with you a meal that we love.  

It's chicken ranch casserole. 

First we cook up the chicken.

Then I mix up the ranch sauce.  I add sour cream, whipping cream, cream cheese, parsley, pepper, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder to the mix.  Once it's smooth it's ready. 

Then to grate some cheese.  I use what ever is on hand...this time marble. 

I cut the tortilla wraps in half so they layer better. 

Then I just layer each item between the wraps.  

Last layer of cheese on top and set the crockpot to low for a couple hours. 

The crockpot is clean...I promise.  Just stained from baking beans. 

I forgot to take a picture of the meal until after we'd eaten...so as you can see...we like it. :) 

Hope you have a wonderful day!  

Thanks for dropping by!

Jennifer

Homemaking Mondays: Teaching Wisdom

Welcome to Homemaking Mondays! 

I would like to share a bit about teaching.  

As we all know the school is beginning for many or has just begun for some.  

As I prepare to begin homeschooling my children their formal lessons.  I pause and consider all that will be a part of what they learn.  

In a world where so many try to cram as much knowledge and information in as possible...they forget something very important.  Wisdom. 

Proverbs 4:

v7"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."

v 11"I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.

v13Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

^v14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.

^v15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away."

^v18 "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

^v19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

^v20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.

^v21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.

^v22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

^v23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

^v24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.

^v25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.

^v26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.

^v27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil."

We are living in a time where gnosticism/ mysticism has permeated and saturated much of what we know.  It is in the school systems, in the business world, in the religious world, and in what is known as christianity.  True biblical christianity is opposed to it.  Gnosticism is nothing short of the quest for man in his own understanding to know things.  Ever learning but never coming to the Truth. 

GNOS'TIC, noun nostic. [Latin gnosticus; Gr. to know.]

The Gnostics were a sect of philosophers that arose in the first ages of christianity, who pretended they were the only men who had a true knowledge of the christian religion. They formed for themselves a system of theology, agreeable to the philosophy of Pythagoras and Plato, to which they accommodated their interpretations of scripture. They held that all natures, intelligible, intellectual and material, are derived by successive emanations from the infinite fountain of deity. These emanations they called oeons. These doctrines were derived from the oriental philosophy.

Colossians 2:8  

"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."

I'm sure you've heard the "think for yourself", "use your own words", "truth is within you", "listen to your heart".  These are all phrases that bring with it the gnostic ideals.
It points you to think that through your own reasoning and understanding that you can "know" things ...and that one can have true wisdom outside of the Lord and the Bible.  

Psalm 119: 102-105

"I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.

How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

True wisdom is only found in and through the Lord Jesus Christ and His word: the Bible. When you have that basis, and teach your children that basis then there is a solid foundation with which to build truth on.  To lead your children to the wisdom that only God can give is what is most important.  Yes reading, writing, and arithmetic are all very important!  BUT and this is a big but...you don't have to feed them all the things the world does for them to learn these things.  You don't have to fill their minds and time with things that are dishonouring to the Lord for them to be wise, knowledgeable, and to be able to function in the "real world".

Seek the Lord yourself....be wise...consider what you set before your children whether you homeschool or not.  What are they learning?  Are they learning truth and wisdom, or are they just being subjected to "everything" so they can later decide for themselves?  As I have said before, you need to as a parent shelter your children.  From error, from lies, from those who would turn your children from the very simple truth that is in Christ Jesus the Lord.  That means not letting them read things that are untrue, that are full of evolution, that are full of idolatry or witchcraft or yes, humanism.  I remember when the Lord showed me this verse:

1 Samuel 15:23
"For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king."

It totally opened up my eyes to many of the more subtle things that were laced through books and activities.  Rebellion isn't always in your face...it is just building up the "self will" of an individual against others.  It's humanism...putting the "human spirit" above God.  Now everyone loves to hear about heroes and heroins...but consider the attitudes and actions of characters do they honour the Lord?  Are they rubbing off on your children? do you see your children emulating them?  When I saw this connection...I removed certain things from our home and saw a huge change in the character and attitude of my children.  It's never to late to remove harmful things from your children's lives and learning times.

1 Timothy 6: 20-21

"O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen."

So as I consider what comes in my home and into our homeschool days...I think.  Will this lead them to true wisdom?  or will it just lead to human knowledge.  For there is no end of "learning" and books.  In the end...it's not about all you know...it's about who you know. 

When you know the Lord and His word, you have the foundation to be able to sift through what is beneficial and what is not in this world.  To be able to hate the false ways, and to avoid them.

You can teach your children all the needed skills of this life without subjecting them to the "culture" of gnosticism in this world.   This next verse is good for both fathers and mothers. 

Ephesians 6:4

"And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."

Let the Word of God (Jesus Christ) lead you as you learn.  Let Him be the light of your path, and not the ways of this world.  The world leads you to yourself...to self sufficiency, to being your "own god"... not in humbling yourself under the mighty hand of God that He may lift you to wisdom and understanding and salvation for your soul.  

Love and Prayers,

Jennifer

Homemaking Mondays: Under the Shelter of His Wing

 Welcome to Homemaking Mondays!

Today I'd like to share with you a little about being under the shelter of His wing.

Psalm 17: 6-9

"I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.

Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.

Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,

From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about."

I was out in the garden this week relieving my flowers of their frost blankets (yes it's frosting again in the Yukon).  When I saw this big bumble bee under the protection of the flower petals.  It made me think of the above verse written in the Psalms.  The shadow of thy wings....what a beautiful truth!  

We most certainly, once we are saved by the Lord Jesus, are kept under the shadow of His wing...in the shelter of His protective hand.  That safety is there for those who have put their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus. How would not want to be there?

So many dangers are out there...so many that seek to harm and destroy.  

The Lord Jesus is our safe place...He is our protector!

It brought me to the thoughts of home that day looking at that bumble bee sheltering there.  

As mothers, as keeper's at home....it is also our position to shelter those in our care.  

To provide a safe, protected space for those under our care.  

I used to see my little ones hide in the folds of my skirts like pictures of yesteryear.  

Now my children are older....and the need is still as great.  

We as mothers and keepers at home need to be very vigilant, teaching our children, being watchful of harmful things and standing in the way to fend off what might cause harm.  Yes, sheltering our children!

Some say "You're being too protective...children need to experience things so they learn on their own."    Really?  The truth is that as you fend off those things that cause harm...not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally as well...they learn to do the same.  They need a mentor...that they can learn from.  From a safe distance from the harm.   (Think oven mitts)  

I know that touching a hot stove as a child definitely would teach them not to touch it again...but in truth...I've taught my children of hot stoves without them ever needing to be burned.  

This goes for the worldliness around us.  We as mothers aren't to turn out children over to the world to let them learn how to "live in the real world".  We are to shelter our children from the world and nourish them with the Word of God.  There will come a time when they will be able to stand...and function just fine in the "real world".  Feeding our children worldly things doesn't give them a good foundation to understand and see truth.  It just gives them an appetite for things that are worldly and contrary to the things of the Lord.  We need to shelter out children from harm, yes teaching them what it is as well.  I can teach my children about many things without them needing to experience them for themselves.  

Children are much smarter then many adults give them credit for.  They absorb so much from watching us.  If we don't allow certain things in our homes, and explain to our children why...they learn and the understanding goes much deeper then "mommy doesn't like it".    

Children need you as the keeper of the home, to be the adult...to be the one to step up and put protective barriers for them.  As they get older, the more they'll understand (and yes you need to teach them why they are there) and then be able to put those barriers up for themselves.  

Simply starting for example with...no magic in the house.  May sound simple right?  But it can be as simple as no fairies with magic wands (or fairy gardens)....to complex, like novels with sorcery mixed in or clothing with certain symbols printed on them. 

There are many layers of things, and we as keepers of the home need to be aware, watchful, and take action to shelter our children from being influenced by things that are against God's righteousness.  

Luke 17: 1-2 

"Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!

It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones."

I encourage you today...shelter your children.  Be the protective wing under which your children can find safety and protection as we find under the shadow of the Saviour's wing.  

Love and Prayers,

Jennifer

Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Squares

Hello!

I'd like to randomly share a sweet treat that I made this summer for the first time.  I've seen recipes before for this but never actually got to making it.  

First of all...if you like peanut butter.....and if you like chocolate...this is something you need to try!  

It's very sweet, and you need to cut the squares fairly small.  

Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

2 cups creamy peanut butter

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup butter

2  (10 1/2) bags mini marshmallows

8 cups Rice Krispie cereal

Grease a 9 x 13 pan or line with parchment paper

* I made my squares thinner so used two pans.

Put peanut butter, butter, & chocolate chips in a saucepan and heat until melted and combined.

Pour over Rice Krispies and stir in well. 

Spread out in the prepared pan and smooth it out.  

Put in the fridge until set...or until you can't wait any longer. :) 

It needs to be kept in the fridge or a cool place until eaten.

Praying you have a sweet day!

Jennifer

Paper Sweeties Birthday!

Hello!

  Today I'd like to share with you a card that I've created for the Paper Sweeties birthday.  

They are celebrating 6 years and I've entered the contest for a prize they are offering to someone who creates a card for them.  

I used some new Momenta papers that I have with some fun card stock form my stash.  The one blue polka dot boarder is created with a Martha Steward die cut.

I added a bit of ribbon from my collation along with the lovely little chipboard dress. 

Then I finished it off with a sweet birthday sentiment from Tina Weike. 

I hope you have a lovely day and if you're interested you can join in the fun HERE!

Homemaking Mondays: Being Content

Hello!  Thanks for joining me for Homemaking Monday!

Today I'd like to share a some about being content. 

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, 

in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

- Philippians 4:11

In today's society and culture, content is not a word that you hear much when it comes to having things.  There is always this urge to either go minimalistic which entails a great effort for some to go through what they have.  Not that de-cluttering is a bad thing. No that is sometimes very needful. But, there is no shame in having things if they are needed and you have space for them.   Then on the opposite, culture is so inundated with ads for more, more, more!  Making the plea that you'll be happy after you buy this or that.  But where does it stop?  How much is enough?  

"But godliness with contentment is great gain.

 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

- 1 Timothy 6:6-12

Could you be content just living a godly life?  Could you say that having food and raiment is enough?  The key is not to have nothing, but to not let what you have control you.  Yes, we all have stuff....but does it take our eyes off of the Lord and eternal things? 

I know in the homemaking forums and blogs there is a great amount of sharing what is trendy and new.  Of collecting things for the home and the like.  
All is well and good if it's needful...but if it's just to pass the time or to keep up with culture...best to let it pass you by.  
It is so important to live within the means that we have.  If our husbands provide a certain amount for us to live on...lets make it work.  It may mean you can't have or do things that others do.  So what...you're not them and you don't have to live up to their standards either.  
Let us seek after those things the Lord has listed above.  

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."

- Hebrews 13:5-6

Being content with what we have...that can at times be a challenge.  Yes we all have needs, but one thing I want to challenge you with...as I do myself.  
Can we meet those needs with what we already have?  

How about clothing...can we just alter something to suit the need? 
How about food?...can we make meals from our pantry/freezer instead of buying more food? Can we glean or forage for some food within the area we live?
Entertainment?....can we play games we already have? Can we explore the area around our homes so we don't have to "go" somewhere and spend money that could be used for other needs?  
What about furniture? Can we just be happy we have some? There are so many little touches that can be made to freshen up our homes without buying new furniture.  
An example...I have a kitchen table that is terribly worn...so I purchased a table cloth (by the foot) and it covers it and makes it look like new for very little.  

I try to fight against the culture of more by being content with what we already have.  
Surprisingly when we do this.  Be content.  We find we have so much more room in our minds and hearts for the things of the Lord and time to spend with Him.

The Lord always knows what we have need of...let us trust in Him to provide what we need, when we need it.  Let us look to the Lord in all things.  

Love and Prayers,
Jennifer

Blue and White Delight

Hello!  

Today I'd love to share with you some cards that I made this week. 

My daughter and I bought some new papers and I just love these blue and white patterned ones.  

Thought I'd make just one card I needed...but well...couldn't stop. ~smile~

I used some matching ribbon from my stash, a Wilton doily (was for with cupcakes, but I loved the pattern on them. )  A bit of lace.

The flowers are also from my stash...package lost long ago.  

Then I added some rhinestones and pearls to them.

The sentiments are ones I've collected...I love sentiment stamps! 

I think they add such delight to the cards. 

Thanks for dropping by!  

Praying you have a delightful day! 

Jennifer 

Homemaking Mondays: Let Them Do What You Do

Welcome to Homemaking Monday! 

Today I'd like to share with you about homemaking with children.

Cleaning and keeping the home are big things that need to happen in our homes.  

Now children do add another element to this task, but it need not be an issue to bring about discouragement.  It can indeed be a joy!

Sometimes it's nice to just clean on our own.  Sometimes it's nice to delegate some of the tasks to older children.  But really, it is quite nice to work alongside our children.  Quality time doesn't need to be "fun" time, or some special occasion.  Sometimes the best conversations I have with my children, happen when we are working together.  You can laugh, cry, pour out your  hearts, pray, and sing as you spend time working together.  

Some say that I don't know what I'm talking about...but, I do.  I have four children and have done this all along.  Let them join you in this blessed role of homemaking!  Let them learn as they not only watch you, hear you explain things,  but practice for themselves these skills. 

 Just let them do what you do!

The Bible says we are to train our children.

^" Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

- Proverbs 22: 6

This is an active role...it doesn't start in kindergarten...it starts at birth.  

We are always teachers as mothers and homemakers.  Now spiritually of course this is very important to teach them of the Lord and His word!  It is also great wisdom for just the basics of living.

Talk to the babies as you do things, explain to them what you are doing and why.  

Bring them along to where you are working, let them watch.

Of course they'll not totally understand what you say, but make it a practice from the beginning to include them in what you do.  

Then as they get older, they'll not only want to help you, but love being included.  They also love to be able to contribute and feel needed in the home. 

Start with little jobs.  Picking up toys, putting shoes on the mat as they come in the house, putting dirty laundry in the hamper.  All basic things.  But don't stop there!  

Give them a little broom as you sweep with the big one.  

Give them rags to wipe off cupboards and chairs as you do the counters and table.  

Believe it or not... they think it's very fun! :) 

As they grow, they not only will learn the skills of cleaning and homemaking, 

but they will also see the value in it.  

Now does this always mean your house will be showroom quality? Um...no. But you should always be making a concerted effort to keep a nice home.    It'll be taking steps to not only do the tasks that need to be done (cleaning, laundry, tidying, cooking, etc.) but to also teach the children...train them to  do these tasks as well.  Don't fall into the "I'm doing something more important by just hanging out with my kids instead of cleaning"  lie.  Let your children join you in this joyous task of homemaking...let them know that they are apart of it, not just mess makers.  

If it were for a secular job...you would  have training to know how to accomplish the tasks of that position, same is with homemaking.  You need to work alongside them and show them and teach them so that they will one day be competent.  Both boys and girls need these life skills.  Young women who are learning to be homemakers will need to make a greater effort to master these. 

 " Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;"

- Colossians 3:22-23

We are servants in our homes, we need to do all that we do for the Lord.  As we go about all our everyday tasks, including our children we will be showing them how to do all things as unto the Lord.  Make the learning process meaningful by including them, not just talking at them.  

So look at cleaning, and all your homemaking tasks with your children as blessed opportunities to share with them your knowledge.  To share your time together.  To share with them the joy of serving their families, and honour God in their homes. 

Love and Prayers,

Jennifer