Happy Taste Buds = Buffalo Chicken Dip

Looking for a quick, easy and very versatile recipe?? Look no further! This yummy dip can be used as an appetizer, a main dish or as an afternoon snack! I had made this for several office gatherings and every time at least one person asks for the recipe so I though I should share with the world! Enjoy!! 

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Ingredients: 

1

 pound of boneless skinless chicken breast

 (or use a rotisserie Chicken...much faster and easier!)

1 Bottle of Franks Red Hot sauce (12 oz.) - you can use less if you don't want it too spicy. 
8 oz container of cream cheese
1 cup Mexican cheese blend 
1 cup Ranch dressing.
1 bag tortilla chips and/or veggies for dipping 

Instructions

1. Poach about 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breast in chicken stock and water.
              Or you can use Rotisserie Chicken...much faster :) 

2. Using 2 forks, gently thread chicken into small chunks. 

3. In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with Franks Red Hot sauce, to taste. In the one I made

for our meeting

, I used the whole bottle

 ...I would use maybe half of the regular sized bottle.

4. Let the chicken soak in the hot sauce until ready to use. I soaked for about 10 minutes.  

5. Spread one 8 oz container of cream cheese into the bottom of an un-greased baking pan or casserole dish.

6. Top with buffalo chicken mix

7. Sprinkle on the cup of cheese. 

8. Finish it off by drizzling on 1 cup of Ranch dressing. I used Kraft "Anything" Ranch Dressing. 

9. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes, until dip is melted and bubbling.

10. Serve with chips and veggies for dipping!

When Worry Creeps In...

I struggle with worrying... I find things to worry about. I obsessively plan, prepare and when I've done all I can do...I worry that I didn't do enough or didn't do it right. I think it has something to do with "control"...I think that if I am prepared as much as possible and worrying about the rest...then I have done all that I can do...if I'm not worried then anything that goes wrong just must be my fault. 

WRONG!!! 

I fight this "worry battle" every day. Trusting God's sovereignty. Praying instead of worrying. Resting in Him. 

Trusting in God's sovereignty means trusting in His infinite rule, His authority, His power over all of creation. He rules over ALL the universe. Nothing happens outside of his ultimate sovereignty. 

Psalm 103:15-19 As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. 16 When the wind has passed over it, it is no more; And its place acknowledges it no longer. 17 But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children, 18 To those who keep His covenant, And who remember His precepts to do them. 19 The LORD has established His throne in the heavens; And His sovereignty rules over all.

His sovereignty rules over all. 

I don't have to worry because God's got this! "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together!" (Colossians 1:17) 

Today, my precious husband and many youth left for summer camp in Andrews, NC. It was hard to miss the news over the weekend that a youth pastor from Indiana and his pregnant wife were killed returning from a youth camp. I literally could not even think about it without being sick to my stomach. I was so tempted to worry about the safety of our youth and of my husband but in the midst of it I heard a small voice that said "pray."

I can't count the many number of prayers over the last few days that I have whispered to calm my worry, to affirm my trust in God's sovereignty. And in the midst of it all, again and again, God brings a peace in my soul that calms my worries and fears. 

Please pray with me for everyone going to camp! 

Fall 2013 Must Watch Shows

I must admit...I watch too many shows! I used to only have one favorite show that I just had to watch every week...now I have several. If only they all didn't air during the same season, I think I could manage. Thank goodness for the internet where I can watch my shows anytime because I always miss them when they actually air!

Here are my top 3 shows that I most definitely will be watching come September:

1. Parenthood - If you haven't ever seen this show...WATCH IT! Get Netflix, buy every season, find a way to watch it! Trust me, you will fall in love with every character and feel like you actually know them personally. I have been watching it since it first came on and can't get enough of it! Season 5 begins Sept. 26 and you won't want to miss it. 
 

 2. Nashville- This show will be airing it's 2nd season in September so go right now and catch up on the first if you've never seen it. This show has incredible music, great story lines and engaging characters! Can't wait til this one start again! 

3. Chicago Fire- Although I am sure this isn't exactly what real fire fighting life is like...it sure makes good TV! Tune in for some Fire House drama and action! This show is going in to it's second season and I can't wait! 

 

Happy Watching! 
 

Summer Camp Must-Haves

It's time I got back to blogging...I took a long and necessary break but it's finally time I got started again. 

With our church's summer camp just days away I find myself scrambling to remember all the camp essentials for my husband. I have been to many summer camps in my short life so you think by now I would have my list mastered...not quite. I always find a new necessity every year that makes camp life a little easier. Although I won't be going to summer camp this year...I hope this helps you...and me for next year! Plus, I have a husband to pack for! 

In addition to the basics that I hope are easy to remember such as sleeping bags, pillows and clothes...here are a few things you won't want to forget to pack!

1. BUG Spray! - This stuff will not disappoint! Buy 2 bottles of it and use it! I took this to camp last year and I don't think I would have made it through the week without it.
 

2. Sunscreen- Another must have! Summer camp=outdoor camp. I am not a big fan of wearing sunscreen...mostly because I hate the smell and feeling it gives me all day, but this sunscreen I don't mind at all. Try it :) 

3. Flashlight - Late night bathroom trips? Early morning prayer? No electricity in the cabin? Can't find your cell phone? Trust me, you won't want to go to camp without a flashlight....at least not to the camps I have been to. This flashlight is my camp favorite although there are so many to choose from...it's lightweight, easy to carry and bright!! 

4. Towels - Lots and lots of towels...summer camp means water, mud, and sweat. You will need towels for swimming, tubing, white water rafting, and most importantly showering...and even more importantly for that time that you drop your clean towel in the mud or bathroom floor...gross. Towels are an easy thing to overlook the importance of or forget...don't do it. 


5. An Easy Container to take to the Shower/Bathroom- Don't get caught carrying several bottles of shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, a towel, clean clothes, etc. all to the bathroom in your hands... something won't make it there or back with you. This makes life easier! 
 

 6. Water Bottle!!! - When spending all that time outdoors at summer camp with the "cafeteria" or (whatever your camp calls the place to eat) far away...carrying a water bottle full of water will keep you hydrated and enjoying your time! Get two...just in case!

7. Battery Powered Alarm Clock- Sounds strange I know, but you never know if your cell phone battery is going to be charged, if you will have an outlet in your room, or what crazy time they schedule the youth leader meeting in the morning. You won't want to be last in line for the showers so use this!

8. Fan!- One thing is for sure when you go to summer camp...it's going to be hot, in most cases VERY hot. I can tolerate the heat during the day, but I WILL. NOT. MAKE. IT. if I don't have a fan at night. Depending on where you are going to camp, you can either take one that is battery powered or you can take on that needs to be plugged in. Whatever works best for you! In my mind, this is what I want to take:
 

Yes, it's an 18" Industrial Grade Heavy Duty Fan...but in reality this is what works:

There are other things I could have added to this list...but there are the most important! In my mind, it's always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared! 

Happy Summer Camping!