Lattice Top Chicken

I discovered this recipe today. I am currently nannying for a wonderful woman who my family is very close to. She left me the ingredients and directions for this yummy casserole.

1 Can of Cream of Chicken
1 Cup Milk
1/2 tsp Durkee Seasoned Salt
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 bag frozen brocolli, carrotts, cauliflower veg combo
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 can French's fried onions
1 cup bread crumbs

Combine soup, milk, seasoned salt, chicken, 1/2 cup cheese, and 1/2 can of onions; Place in 8x12 inch baking dish. Bake covered @ 375 for 20 minutes, add 1/2 cup onions, bake for additional 15 minutes. Add cheese and bread crumbs bake additional 3-5 minutes or until brown.
Enjoy!

A Letter To My Mom

For those of you who may be new to my blog, or perhaps don't know my story, my Mom stepped into eternity in late 2007 after fighting Stage 4 Lung Cancer and 5 brain tumors. I still miss her every day. I am thankful for those who have walked me through the healing process, and for those who took me in as their daughter and loved me during that rough time in my life.

Mom,

As I sit here, drinking my coffee, I think back to you and all the good times we had. It has been almost 5 years, but honestly it still hurts like yesterday. You taught me so much about life, and there are no words that can express my thanks to you enough. Please know that the things you enstilled in me have not gone astray. I hope that someday I can be half the wife and mother that you were to Dad and I. The strength I find in the tough times, I believe, is in part because of you. You were so strong, even up until your last night with us. You were a fighter, and I thank God every day for you teaching me never to give up. You never let me have a huge pity party because of my illness and yet you never condemned when I was feeling less than adequate. I'll never forget Dad and I sitting on the couch and him telling me you were sick. I felt like the world had ended, the one person who'd always been my Rock and my example of strength, dignity, and grace was now not so strong. The doctors told us that you wouldn't make it until Christmas, you didn't even make it to Thanksgiving. My heart still aches as I think about how sick you were, yet you refused to let anyone see your weakness. I guess that's the biggest thing I've learned since you stepped into eternity, let others see your weakness. You always told me that someday some really lucky man was going to come into my life and be everything that Dad was to you, and you were right. Jeremy is beyond what I could've hoped for. I have you to thank for teaching me never to settle for second rate. I know that you loved God with all your heart, and I praise Him for that, and for you teaching me about Him. Honestly, I know people say that they have the best Mom, but you really were. Not only were you an amazing friend, you were an amazing mentor, just ask anyone who worked with you. Your legacy still lives on. I miss you, but I can't wait to see you someday very soon. You are not forgotten. 

Love you,

Jessi

Love

I figured since I referenced Jeremy in my last blog post, I should probably bring you dear readers up to date. I try to focus on ministry not my personal life here, but I feel that this IS a ministry, so I felt comfortable spilling the beans to you ladies!

I am now in a courtship with a wonderful guy. 

Yay for love! :)

Jeremy and I pretty much ignored each other for about 8 months. Kinda funny, actually. 

He is a bit taller than I am. Those of you who know who I am personally will laugh at this. I find it miraculous that we agree about almost everything from a doctrinal and theological standpoint. Plus, the man is romantic, and what girl would pass that up? 

But, I guess the thing that attracted me most to Jeremy, and led me to say "Yes! Absolutely!" to him, was his love for God. I knew he would love God more, and that was something that I felt very strongly that I wanted in a potential husband.

Thank you God, for this new season, and for bringing such a great man after Your heart into my life. May we look to You alone and pursue Your will alone. Give him strength to lead me to Your throne of grace, and grant me the joy to submit and serve him whenever possible. May others see You, and Your love, and Your glory through us. I pray that we would walk in purity and sincerity. You have set us apart, and I pray that we would not take the call of Christ upon our lives for granted. Help us to serve You alone, help us to start a legacy of love founded upon Your Son. Be the center of our lives, and our relationship. Help us to evaluate our hearts and lives in accordance to Your Word, and make changes if we need to. Provide me with a heart of acceptance and humility to respect him in a way that is honoring to him, and encourages him; not only as a brother in Christ, but as a boyfriend. Help me to honor him, not only with the words I speak, but by the condition of my heart towards him. Lord, be near to us.