My strength and my song.

The Lord is absolutely amazing in all that He does and all that He is! He planned out each one of our days before even one came to be. He knows exactly what we need, when we need it, and blessed is the one who knows that what the Lord has provided is enough. Last weekend I was feeling very stressed about finishing everything I needed to. Starting this day with a feeling of stress, I voiced my concerns (ok...I might have been complaining/venting) to James before opening up my daily devotional. I was astounded that God planned these words so far in advance, knowing the day I would need them especially. I would love to share those words from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young and I hope they are a balm for anyone who is also feeling stresses or pressures:

"Trust Me and refuse to worry, for I am your Strength and Song. You are feeling wobbly this morning, looking at difficult times looming ahead, measuring them against your own strength. However, they are not today's tasks - or even tomorrow's. So leave them in the future and come home to the present, where you will find Me waiting for you. Since I am your Strength, I can empower you to handle each task as it comes. Because I am your Song, I can give you Joy as you work alongside Me."

So sorry for the lack of updates and recipes! Life has been crazy busy to say the least. School has consumed my life, yet it is my daily goal to really balance home and work. Of course, as I type this, I realize James and I have been spending quality time watching the return of our favorite shows....and I've been doing school work the whole time. So that goal continues! First grade is flying by - I can't believe it's almost October!! I have been willing on fall and cooler weather by enjoying my first pumpkin spice latte of the season, proudly bearing fall colors, and barely reigning in the urge to whip out a scarf despite the 95-degree heat. 

I have some precious kiddos in my class this year who never cease to make me laugh with the things they say. Favorite quote....as kid is rubbing his forehead where a red bump is rapidly forming he says to me, "Mrs. Sebesta...I thought my lollipop would be soft....but it was really hard." Love him!

In terms of recipes, the start of the school year has resulted in a much-increased rate of eating out/random dinners (salad and Eggos anyone?). I did manage to pull together this new recipe and oh man, was it tasty!! And super easy which is perfect for a weeknight!

Mexican Bubble Pizza

From: http://www.greensnchocolate.com/2011/03/mexican-bubble-pizza-two-ways.html

1 1/2 lb lean ground beef

1 pkg taco seasoning

3/4 cup water

1 can condensed tomato soup 

(I just used a can of tomato sauce because that's all I had on hand...worked great!)

1 can refrigerated buttermilk biscuits

2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

Optional toppings:

lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, avocado, green onions

1. Preheat oven to 375.

2. Brown meat and drain. Add taco seasoning, water, and soup and mix well.

3. Heat to boiling, reduce and let simmer for 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

4. Separate dough into 8 biscuits. Cut each biscuit into 8 pieces (not gonna lie...I cut some into 6 and some into 4. Patience is not my forte at times...)

5. Add the biscuit pieces to the beef mixture and stir gently. Spoon into ungreased 9x13 casserole dish.

6. Bake for 20-22 minutes uncovered or until sauce is bubbly and biscuits are golden brown. Sprinkle with cheese then bake for 10 minutes longer, or until cheese is bubbly.

7. Cut into squares, top with any additional toppings and enjoy!