Cozy season is about to be in full swing now, folks. November is here, and we have just gained an extra hour of sleep. I think we all needed it! It gets dark earlier now, and the nights grow colder.
These evenings call for cozy nights with family and a soft, comfy blanket. Maybe a good movie with a mug of hot cocoa topped with a dollop of marshmallow fluff.
These November days also call for thankful hearts and gratitude.
I am sure right now, with election week, it’s hard to think that something good can come from this election if the right person doesn’t get in. I am 39 years old and can say I don’t think I have ever been this nervous about an election.
I don’t get into politics, but I get into prayer. It’s so sad how this election has people being so mean to each other about their views. Just because people don’t have the same views as you doesn’t make it OK to be nasty to them. Where are our morals anymore?
And can we please quit being so offended over every little thing!? Gee whiz!
I believe this month, the month of Thanksgiving, we need to open our hearts and minds to all just focusing on being a little kinder to each other because this election could divide us.
Listen, there is only one ruler of this world: God. We HAVE to trust in him. He has a plan for someone to be president of this country, and whoever he picks, it won’t be wrong. Remember that it will just be a part of his plan. God doesn’t get things wrong.
I know things are so expensive. Gas, groceries, insurance, and more. We are all living it, but God hasn’t seemed to let my family and me down at all. He is our provider, and no matter what happens or who is running this country soon, I know that GOD will still be our provider. I pray to him that the right person gets in for this election, but let him know that no matter who does, that he is still the king of kings and Lord of Lords. I trust him. He will always guide us and protect us at all costs.
This month, I want my family and I to write down things we are thankful for each day starting November 1. Then, on Thanksgiving Eve night, after Kenzy and I make our special pumpkin roll deliveries, I want each one of us to go through our jars of thankfulness and say what we are thankful for this month. When our hearts focus on the good things, they will help outweigh the bad. We have to be our own happiness. Life is what we make it. If we dwell on the bad things and go around with a bad attitude, what kind of life is that to live?
Be kind to people. Throw them a smile with a warm hello. Tell someone you are praying for them. Be that person who holds the door for another couple of seconds for the person behind you. Be that person who puts a little extra change in the Salvation Army donation bucket at the store this year or does a little something for a family in need. Take an elderly person some soup or give a hug to someone having a hard day. These small gestures can lift someone else’s day and make you feel so good too. It costs nothing to be nice.
If we as a country can just be more kind to each other, we can make the difference that this country needs. No, we can’t change the cost of things, but we can help change the way others feel.
So, no matter who gets into office this year, remember, God is in control! Only you can make a difference in this world and use him to help guide you. He will speak to your heart. God has never done me wrong, and he won’t you either. Trust and obey, for there is no other way.
Crockpot Creamy Bacon Potato Soup
Ingredients:
• 8 slices cooked bacon, diced
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 2 pounds red potatoes, peeled (if desired) and diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped fine
• 4 tablespoons bacon grease (or butter)
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream (or regular milk)
• 2 cup shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
• 3/4 sour cream
• salt to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• few sprinkles of dried oregano
Directions:
Add chicken broth, potatoes and onion to a big crock pot and stir to combine. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are completely tender and cooked through.
Once the soup has cooked, melt better on the stove over medium-high heat until it has melted. Whisk in the flour until it is completely combined, and then cook for 1 minute, stirring till thick. Gradually add in the evaporated milk; slowly, while whisking it together with the flour mixture, and continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth. Let the mixture continue cooking until it reaches a simmer, stirring occasionally, and then it should get really nice and thick.
Immediately pour the milk mixture into the slow cooker with the potatoes and stir until combined. Add in the cheddar cheese, bacon, sour cream, salt pepper, and oregano, and stir until combined. If you would like the soup to be even thicker, you can use a potato masher or a large spoon to mash about half of the potatoes (while the soup is still in the slow cooker) to thicken the soup up.
Serve nice and hot and top with garnish like a dollop of sour cream, bacon chunks, and shredded cheese. Who doesn’t love more cheese and bacon!?
