Award Winning Chili

Yes, its true!  This chili really is award-winning!  The funny part of the award is that I had never made chili before, but our church was having a church-wide chili cook-off  so my dear friend Jalah and I put this together.  And this was the winner! 

I get so excited when the weather starts to turn cold so I can make it.  Its one of my favorites - on the stove top or in the crockpot - its just delicious!  You can spice it up or mellow it out, but the basic ingredients are still the same.

So without further ado, here is my award-winning chili recipe!

Single batch - serves 4-6 people
2lbs ground beef
1 package of of frozen onion/bell pepper mix
1 TBSP minced garlic
1 medium onion, largely chopped
1 large can stewed tomatoes
1 can diced tomatoes (drained)
1 can crushed tomatos
1 small can tomato sauce
2 cans red kidney beans (drained & rinsed)
1 jar salsa verde
chili powder (4 TBSP)
cumin (3 TBSP)
garlic salt (2 TBSP)
onion powder (2 TBSP)
cayenne pepper (2 tsp)
paprika (2 tsp)

Brown your meat with the minced garlic and drain excess grease.  Then add in your spices.  The measurements above are approximates.  You can always use more or less depending on what you like.  Stir your spices in really good with the meat and let it sit for about 10 minutes.  Then add all other ingredients.  Simmer for about an hour.  Add salt & pepper to taste.  Top with some shredded cheese and dig in!

TOP SECRET:  It the MOST delicious if you let it sit for several hours, or overnight, then reheat.  You can also throw it all in a crockpot and let it cook on low for about 6-8 hours!

Hope you enjoy!

A Day of Thanks

I love Thanksgiving.  There is nothing better than spending the day in praise over what we have been blessed with.

I am so very thankful for this man.  A husband who loves me unconditionally and is an incredible father to his treasured daughter.  I can honestly say that the Lord made him just for me.  He is my knight in shining armor, my best friend, and the love of my life.

I am thankful that each day I get to see this beautiful smiling face. She is the apple of my eye and I cannot imagine life without her.  She is sweet, sassy, spunky, and everything in between.  I love her more each and every day. 

I am thankful for a savior that redeemed me and washed my sins away.

I am simply thankful.  The Lord has blessed us more than we can ever have imagined and today, tomorrow, and always I will give Him thanks. 

Open Your Eyes

Sweet Emmalee,
Too often in life we shut our eyes.  We shut out our eyes to keep out the things we don't to see: the bad, the struggles, the nasty games and politics.  But all too often, we also shut our eyes on our faith - we only see what we want to instead of seeing everything the Lord has for us.  So always open your eyes.

Beth Moore once said that all too often the Lord's miracles go on around us every day, but we never see them because our eyes of belief are never open.  So I want  you to always have your eyes open.  The Lord's plan for you is so amazing and His miracles are there for you to see, so don't allow them to fall by the wayside. 

So open your eyes and always keep them open.  Don't shut yourself off from the things of this world.  Look for His miracles because they are all around you.  Open your eyes and see his magnificence, His splendor, and His glory.