We love because...

I love this time of year for many reasons. Clearly the most obvious would be because I’m a woman and love just rocks me to my core. It’s the only time I’m ok with Valentines Day items in the store the very second they clean up for Christmas, never-ending chick flicks on TV and a legitimate excuse to eat large amounts of chocolate.  

This verse is a great reminder that with all the LOVE swirling around during this season, it’s only here for one reason. We are able to experience this incredible feeling because we are loved by the Almighty God. The Author of Life, Chief Cornerstone, Everlasting Father, Ultimate Healer, King of Kings, Comforter, and Savior loves US! Such a simple truth but without that love, we are nothing. Without that love from Christ, we don’t have the joy of sharing this feeling with others.

We hope you are blessed with the opportunity to share that love that we’ve been so graciously given!

Woohoo for cooking decorating with my friend Meagan!

Organizing Tidbits

Since we’ve been back in Austin for the off-season, I’ve been in super-organize mode. While I’d love to think that I can do all the cool ideas I find on Pinterest, turns out DIY for me means “Don’t Involve Yourself.” However, these few ideas are manageable and make a nice difference!

Brought to you by IKEA

Great use of Colt's fishing line :)

Bedding sets in pillowcases


*Thanks Pinterest for all these super duper ideas!*

Super Bowl Buffalo Chicken Bites

Baked Buffalo Chicken Bites

So I’ve been on this Buffalo Chicken kick in many forms. Pizza, flatbread, salad, and now these! This is an easy recipe and they're BAKED not fried! Although I’m a bit footballed out for the year…I might make these and watch the commercials :) 

Ingredients:

•.              3 cups shredded cooked chicken

•.              1/4 to 1/2 cup wing sauce (to taste)

•.              3 1/2 ounces cream cheese, softened

•.              1 3/4 cups sharp shredded cheddar cheese

•.              1/4 cup chopped green onions

•.              1 cup all-purpose flour

•.              4 eggs, lightly beaten

•.              3 – 4 cups Corn Flakes cereal, crushed

Directions:

1.            Preheat oven to 350˚F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2.            In a large bowl, combine chicken, cream cheese and hot sauce, cheddar cheese and green onions.

3.            Roll a heaping tablespoon of mixture into a 1½-inch ball and place onto a plate or separate baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

4.            Place flour in a shallow dish.

5.            In a second shallow dish, place eggs.

6.            In a third shallow dish, Place cornflakes.

7.            Dip each chicken ball first into the flour, then the egg and ending with the Corn Flakes. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Makes: 48 bites

The Kitchen

“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2

It’s transition time for us again! Moving from Cleveland back to Austin and looking for a new place in Austin has kept us nice and busy. Thankfully God has wired me to LOVE change so a new place to call home in Austin is exciting to me. And since I love being in the kitchen…my wheels are already turning of what I can do differently.

While at a family friend's home yesterday (whose kitchen I love), I noticed this verse above from Hebrews 13 written down. While I have read this verse so many times and smiled, this time it hit me differently. In our culture, it is so easy to be “busy” and neglect the chances we have to serve by opening our homes. I felt completely convicted since I am now in the best position I’ve ever been in to show hospitality by having guests visit in our home.

This verse in Romans also came to mind, “When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality” Romans 12:13. I’m reminded that yes, we are called to serve those in need, but the part that hits me this time is we are also to be EAGER in showing hospitality. I did notice the verse does not end with “show hospitality to only your closest friends and family” like I often find myself doing :).

As Colt and I are in another transition time between cities and houses, my new personal challenge is to actively LOOK for opportunities to be hospitable. We love food and I love to cook, so the KITCHEN will be my daily reminder to have someone over to share in fellowship.

PS...This is what Colt has been up to so far this off-season (stay tuned for more on his recent adventures)

Oh, How I Wish I Could Sing

One of my favorite things is to hear a beautiful singer. Clearly I'm obsessed because I have nothing close to a good voice and definitely wish I did. So of course I’m guilty of playing the same song over and over and over again until someone catches me :)

This precious little girl Jackie Evancho is such a joy to watch. I get chills every time I hear her and she’s only 10! Have a listen!