Sunday, March 29, 2009

Jalapeno Poppers

Mommajet on Friday requested the jalapeno poppers recipe, so here it is:

Jalapeno Poppers

12 fresh jalapeno peppers, halved - lengthwise, stems, seeds and membranes removed
(be sure to wear gloves when you do this or you will have hot hands all day!)
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups grated Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne, or less, to taste
1 pound of bacon

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

In a bowl, cream together the cream cheese, cheese, cumin and cayenne.

Take this mixture and put inside the halves of the jalapenos. Wrap in bacon. You can use a toothpick to secure.

Cook for 30 minutes or until bacon is cooked.
ENJOY!

Friday, March 27, 2009

Busy, Busy, Busy

If you are joining me here today from the Proverbs 31 devo, welcome! This blog is actually my blog for teens, but whether you are a teen or not, I'm glad you are here! I write regularly for adults on my blog at Lynn Cowell.com. I'd love to have you stop by there as well!

As I re-read today's devotion, I thought of the jalapenos that are in my frig right now. I am planning on cooking up some of those tasty treats this weekend for my mother and father-in-law who are coming in today. On days like today, when busy is the key word, I am tempted to skip or drastically reduce my time with Jesus. Maybe get a quick devo read in; talk to Him in between tasks and errands. I know that there are days when that is ok - there is no other option. In my life, though, one of those days can quickly turn into two or three, and I find myself dry once more.

It reminds me of the story of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1 - 13. Ten virgins, ten lamps. They each started out with the same amount. The foolish ones, we are told, were the ones who grabbed their lamps and got a head start on the day. The wise ones slowed down long enough to get the extra oil for whatever lay ahead.

Similarly, we each get the same - 24 hours. Some days we try to get a "jump start" on the day. Skipping our time with Jesus can give us that extra time we think we need in order to get it all done. Yet in this story Jesus is telling us that to really prepare is to slow down enough to get the "extra oil" for whatever comes our way that day.

I encourage you today, to get that extra oil. I am not sure how that looks for you; He created each one of us so differently. I just know for me, before I start cleaning this house and getting my groceries, I need to "get the oil". I need Him to fill me completely so that I will have more than enough for whatever this day will hold. I hope you will do the same!

Have an incredible weekend!