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  • APPLE BISCUITS – The Southern Lady Cooks -Delicious with Honey

    APPLE BISCUITS – The Southern Lady Cooks -Delicious with Honey

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    These apple biscuits are so easy to make, and adding cheese is lovely! Great right out of the oven with butter and honey!

    Cheese Apple BiscuitsCheese Apple Biscuits

    If you have never tried cheese and apples together, you need to, it’s a delicious combination. This Cheesy Apple Casserole is one of our favorite side dishes. Everyone who has tried it loves it and it has great reviews.

    ❤️WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE

    We love to start our day with biscuits, and if you have followed us for any amount of time, you know that biscuits are one of our favorites. These were a great addition, they are easy to make and a wonderful way to enjoy apples!

    🍴KEY INGREDIENTS

    • All-purpose flour
    • Baking powder
    • Baking soda
    • Salt
    • Sugar
    • Butter
    • Egg
    • Buttermilk
    • Apples, peeled and grated
    • Shredded cheese of your choice (I used cheddar)

    SWAPS

    You can switch out the cheese or leave it out altogether. You could use milk to make these biscuits but we do like the buttermilk, it has a better fat content for making biscuits.

    🍽️HOW TO MAKE

    These biscuits are easy to make; if you are new to making biscuits, the flour will always vary. All flour is made differently so you may need to add more to reach your desired consistency.

    COOKING STEPS

    Step 1
    In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar.  Cut the butter into the flour until it resembles crumbs. 

    Step 2
    Add egg and buttermilk mixing with a spoon.  Fold in grated apples and cheese.

    Step 3
    Pour dough out onto a floured surface.  Pat to about 1/4 to 1/2 inches thick. (I just use my hands and pat the dough out.)  Cut with biscuit cutter into rounds. 

    Step 4
    Place on a sprayed baking sheet and bake in a preheated 400-degree oven for about 15 minutes until brown on top.

    ⭐TIP

    When making biscuits, please remember that all flours are different. Flour comes from different regions, and it’s always going to be dependent on how much you use and the way the flour is made. So if a recipe calls for 2 cups, you may need 2.5 or even 3. You must add flour until the dough is the consistency you need to make the biscuits.

    RECIPE VARIATIONS

    We love biscuits and some of our most popular are:

     SERVE THIS WITH

    We love these biscuits with butter and honey. The honey is wonderful with the apples and the cheese. These are wonderful with eggs and bacon.

    ❓FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    What kind of apples do you use in this recipe?

    We are big fans of the delicious red apples, but any kind will work.

    Do you grate the cheese yourself?

    Yes, we do, but you don’t have too.

    STORING AND REHEATING

    We store these in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container. Just reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.

    Sour Cream Bread

    This bread is easy to make and has a wonderful texture. Crust on top and soft center.

    SERVING SIZE

    Makes about 12 biscuits depending on the size you make them.

    Cheesy Apple Biscuits

    Anne Walkup

    These Cheesy Apple Biscuits are easy to make and absolutely delicious. Light and fluffy and a great way to start the day. Add these to your breakfast menu!

    Prep Time 15 minutes

    Cook Time 15 minutes

    Total Time 30 minutes

    Course Breakfast

    Cuisine American, southern

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
    • 4 tablespoons butter or margarine softened
    • 1 egg
    • 3/4 cup buttermilk
    • 1 cup apples peeled and grated
    • 1/2 cup shredded cheese of your choice I used cheddar

    • In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar. Cut the butter into the flour until resembles crumbs. Add egg, buttermilk mixing with a spoon. Fold in grated apples and cheese.

    • Pour dough out onto a floured surface. Pat to about 1/4 to 1/2 inches thick. (I just use my hands and pat the dough out.) Cut with biscuit cutter into rounds.

    • Place on sprayed baking sheet and bake in preheated 400 degree oven about 15 minutes until brown on top.

    • Makes about 12 to 15 biscuits depending on size of your cutter. (I used a juice glass for these because I wanted smaller biscuits). Serve with your favorite jams, jellies, molasses or honey.

    Let us know by commenting below!

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    Anne Walkup

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  • How to Find Healing After a Friendship Breakup

    How to Find Healing After a Friendship Breakup

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    Breakups of any kind are rarely without heartache of some kind. When someone has journeyed through a season or multiple seasons of life, and then you are left to face a future without them, it can feel jarring and a bit burdensome. When a breakup occurs with a friend, especially a best friend, it can be hard to know how to move on, adjust, and do life without someone you once called your dearest friend. Breakups of this sort are not easy, but there is hope for a future ahead, even one that feels so unknown.

    An Unexpected Split

    When it comes to a romantic relationship, there is almost a fail-safe within that guards one’s heart that there is potential for the relationship to end. In a platonic relationship, that protective barrier is rarely placed upon one’s heart because there is no thought or expectation that the friendship should end. Romantic partners will come and go, but you never expect a friend to depart from your life, so when an unexpected split does occur, it can feel worse than a romantic split. In the Bible, we see a friendship that experienced a bond different than one would have with a romantic partner; one that was rooted and tied by souls. 1 Samuel 18:1 shares, “The soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” David and Jonathan experienced a rich friendship bond by oath and commitment; many of us would resonate with such a relationship. When a relationship like that is broken or severed, it can feel earth-shattering in terms of how to move on or continue in a new normal.

    The New Normal

    Much like habits, people become part of our routine. Perhaps the friendship you lost was one where you called them every night as you prepared dinner, or you would share every little detail of your life with them. When that friendship is no longer there, and that daily practice of communing with them is no longer present, it can feel as if your life has been ripped away. You must cultivate a new normal, one without that person that was once a core facet of your existence. Fostering a new normal will take you out of your comfort zone, but it is a good place to entwine with God and learn how He would desire your days to run. It may feel like a replacement at first, but in time, you will find that this new normal can be one you enjoy just as much, if not more, because it is designed by God and you. Setting in the place of what once was a good and healthy practice will not melt away your memories of the past, but it will help you move forward into the new now. A new normal is rarely what we desire, but it does not have to be something you will not one day come to enjoy.

    Taking Time to Heal

    Much of the journey onward after a split with a close companion requires space and time devoted to healing. This healing may come through counseling with a trained therapist, and there is nothing wrong with seeking mental health assistance during a difficult time. Having a third party offer input may allow you to see your role in the split, the unhealthy or toxic aspects of the former relationship, or other details that provide understanding and perspective for how things resulted in how they did. Healing also deeply thirsts for time spent with God. Only in and through that time with God can we experience true healing on a soul level. God may reveal to you during this time things previously unknown to you or offer comfort in what lies ahead. The friendship that no longer exists is much like a death, and taking time for mourning can benefit you in the way of not holding on to the pain that the death bore.

    RELATED PODCAST:

    Forgiveness

    Forgiveness is another key aspect when it comes to healing and moving on. It has been said that it “takes two to tango,” and in the process of moving into a life without a person who was once so dear, you will find that you play back in your mind conversations, experiences, and parts of the friendship. You may find that you must forgive yourself for your own actions that played a role in the decline of the friendship and forgiveness towards the other person for how they hurt you. Remember the wisdom given in Ephesians 4:31-32: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Invite God into this process and allow Him to work within you to truly forgive all those who were involved.

    Releasing Them to God

    Ultimately, you will need to release the person to God in order to progress into what life holds for you next. Some friends serve a purpose to be in your life for a season, and some for the duration of your life. Though we may not always understand why, we must trust that God had a purpose, plan, and precise timing for that person in our life. If they do not come with you into the next chapter of your life, it could be for a reason far above our understanding, and in that case, we must trust that God knows what is best in His perfect timing. Work through the anger, the hurt, and the feelings that have ensued since the split of the relationship, and then take your hands off the situation and leave them at His feet. You may not know until Heaven why things unfolded as they did, but continuously pray to be aligned in heart and mind with Him and let Him have the pen in writing your story, including the characters in every season. Remember, above all else, we have an intercessor, a friend, and a true confidant who will never leave us in the Lord.

    Friendship That Doesn’t End with God

    Humans will fail you, but God does not. John 14:26 shares the truth that God does not leave us, “But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” Some translations call the Holy Spirit a helper or a friend, and we are never left without Him. This is why it is vital not to form our deepest relationships with human beings but with God. He is the only One who will never leave, forsake, or abandon you, and He is for all seasons of life here on earth and in Heaven. God graciously gives us companions on this side of Heaven to walk through life with, but some of those relationships are not meant to last a lifetime. Rely on His wisdom and what He sees behind closed doors, and trust the people He brings in and out of your life. Remember that you are never truly alone, and although the loss of a friend can sting bitterly, that pain will not last forever.

    Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Paolo Cordoni

    Cally Logan is an author and US History teacher from Richmond, Virginia. In her free time, she enjoys mentoring youth and spending time in nature. She is the author of Hang on in There, Girl! and Dear Future Husband: A Love Letter Journey While Waiting for God’s Best. Check her out on Instagram and Twitter, @CallyLogan and TikTok Cally_Logan. 

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    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Salem Web Network and Salem Media Group.

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    Cally Logan

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  • Winter Date Ideas for Couples

    Winter Date Ideas for Couples

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    The excitement and magic of the holiday hustle and bustle is over and now we are in the dreary, gray days of winter. There is not much going on in January and February, which can be refreshing. This is a great time to up the date nights and keep the flame alive in your relationship. Maybe you didn’t stay as connected as you wanted to over the holidays. It’s okay. Sometimes life pulls us in directions that we can’t help. Now is a great time to up the date nights and spend more time together. 

    Get Outside

    1. Ice Skating

    Bundle up and lace up the skates at your local ice skating rink. Don’t know how? Take lessons together or teach each other to make it fun.

    2.  Go sledding

    Find the biggest hill in your area and go sledding. 

    3. Play with your pet in the snow

    Take your dog out and play with them in the snow. Everyone will get some exercise and they will bond with you even more during playtime.

    4. Have a snowball fight

    Go outside and have a snowball fight, then come in and warm up with a mug of cocoa or coffee. You could also make a crockpot of soup and get the fixings for sandwiches to eat as well.

    5. Stargazing

    Either take a walk outside or sit on the porch and gaze up at the stars. Enjoy the sparkling sky and the peace of a winter’s night.

    Stay Indoors

    6. Game night

    Choose what kind of game you want to play (cards, board, video) and have a fun and competitive game night. Don’t forget the prizes!

    7. Have a “no tech” night

    Turn off the phones, don’t watch television or play video games, and focus on each other for an evening.

    8. Have an indoor picnic

    Set up an indoor picnic on the living room floor with wine (or sparkling cider if you don’t drink) and wine glasses. Add some soft music and flowers for a romantic mood. 

    9. Bake together

    Nothing makes a house smell like home more than warm baked goods. This is one of my favorite things to do in the wintertime. Pick out some cookies, brownies, bars, or another dessert you would like to bake together. To make it more fun, decorate cookies or try your hand at decorating and writing on a two-tier layer cake. 

    10. Have a candlelit dinner at home

    Make something delicious, dress up, or put on your pajamas, and have a cozy, romantic candlelit dinner at home. Add a yummy dessert and some soft music to dance to for a great romantic evening.

    11. Write a bucket list together

    Sit down and write a bucket list together of things you want to do and places you want to go. Then pick three things and make plans to make them happen. When you accomplish those, move on to the next three, and so on. This will help you have things to look forward to together and make sure you take the steps to accomplish what you want.

    Be Active

    12. Go bowling

    Hit the local bowling alley and roll some strikes.

    13. Go roller skating

    If you can find a roller skating rink in your area, go take a lap. This is a nostalgic memory for many people, so talk with your partner about your favorite memories at the rink when you were a child or a teenager.

    14. Go dancing

    Go out dancing or take dancing lessons together. If neither of you can dance, decide on what dance you would like to learn and sign up to take lessons. If you know how then go out and tear up the floor! This is a great way to have fun, get some exercise, and burn some calories.

    15. Take a class together

    If you and your significant other have similar interests, take a class together. In case you don’t, each of you can select one of your interests and enroll in a class together. This will help you learn more about your significant other and their interests.

    Relax

    16. Visit the spa

    Have a relaxing day at the spa. This can get costly, so look for coupons online or special deals on their website. 

    17. Hot cocoa on the porch

    The next time you get snow, bundle up with cups of hot cocoa, sit on the porch, and enjoy watching the flakes fall.

    18. Get away for the weekend

    Find a cozy bed-and-breakfast or swanky hotel and go away for the weekend. This is the perfect time to reflect, recharge, and refocus on each other.

    Check Out the Local Spots

    19. Look on Facebook for fun community events

    Hop on Facebook and look for local community events that are coming up. This could be a gold mine in finding events you would not know about otherwise.

    20. Go to an Expo

    Look around your local area and see if there are any expos going on. Expos can be about all kinds of things, from home improvement to exotic pets to guns and ammo. 

    21. Go to a concert

    Winter is a great time to go to a concert. It’s something to do indoors that is a lot of fun. If you’re into Christian music, Winter Jam is a great option and very reasonable price-wise to attend.

    22. Browse a bookstore

    Do both of you love to read? Go to a bookstore, either a chain or independent, and get lost in paper and ink. Even better, grab a cup of coffee from the cafe if they have one.

    23. Visit the cat cafe

    Love animals? Check out a cat cafe. We have one in our town and I love going there. You pay a fee and get to hang out with 18-20 cats. The cost of admission covers the cost of taking care of the cats (food, litter, supplies) and running the cafe. All the cats are adoptable and come from local rescues. Have a serious discussion about pet ownership before you go because I guarantee you will fall in love with one of those sweet, furry faces. 

    24. Go out for dessert

    Instead of going out for a meal, make something delicious at home and then go out for a luscious dessert. To make it more fun, choose a kind of dessert by season. Winter? Go out for a warm dessert like a warm chocolate chip cookie with ice cream or a piece of warm apple pie with ice cream. (Summer? Go out for a cold dessert like a milkshake with lots of toppings or to an ice cream shop with lots of unique flavors. Fall? Go out for a fall-flavored dessert like caramel apple cake, pumpkin pie, or gingerbread.) 

    25. Go to a local show

    See what shows your local community theater is putting on. You don’t have to shell out massive bucks for superb entertainment.

    26. Pretend to be tourists

    Do you realize that most people who live in large cities for a long time never get around to going to tourist attractions? Make a list of tourist attractions in your area and go check them out. You may find your new favorite museum, shop, coffee shop, or restaurant.

    27. Visit a local museum

    Visit a local museum that you’ve never been to.

    28. Go to an art gallery

    Love art? Go to a local art gallery or see if your local community college has any art on display that you can go see. When I was in college, there were several artists who came to speak and set up their work for others to enjoy.

    29. Revisit the place where the two of you met. 

    If it’s workable, go to the place where you first met and reminisce. Talk about the first time you saw each other, your first date, your engagement (if applicable), and your wedding day (if applicable). Talk about how your life is different now than it was when you met and all the special moments in between. 

    Winter can be cold and dreary, but these winter date night ideas should spark ideas for your next date night.

    Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/simonkr

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    Carrie Lowrance

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  • How Can We as Christians Choose People over Tasks?

    How Can We as Christians Choose People over Tasks?

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    I’m doing it again. I am getting so caught up in the dishes that need to be done but missing out on play time with my son. Why do I care about the material items more than an eternal soul?

    I’m doing it again. I am half listening to my friend who is sharing her heart because I am thinking about the workload I took on this week. Why can I not seem to slow down and be present in the moment?

    I’m doing it again. I am grocery shopping so quickly that I didn’t even think to talk with the cashier and ask how they were doing today.

    If we are not careful, the “to do” can take the place of the people in front of us. What does the Bible says about loving people over tasks?

    There is no greater place to which we can go for answers than the Word of God. The Bible is a place where we can learn and grow in our understanding of who the Lord is and what He says. Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” In a similar way we can easily go to our Bibles as a check-off. However, we are essentially pursuing a relationship and knowing Jesus more when we study the Bible.

    So, what does God have to say about us putting the tasks at hand above the people around? Let’s hear His heart and purpose behind His answers.

    Choosing the Relationship Is the Greater Option

    “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed — or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her’” (Luke 10:38-42).

    Martha missed the person of Jesus because of the preparations. I recently heard a convicting idea, that entertainment is when we feel like we have to clean up and host, but hospitality is when we welcome someone else into the mess of our lives to do life (Habits of the Household).

    Mary knew to direct her focus on Jesus. He had her full attention and heart. Martha was “distracted by all the preparations.” Tasks are not essentially evil, however they can become distractions from the most important relationships. First, we each need to ask, am I focused on loving Jesus or just going through a spiritual checklist? Second, we each need to ask, am I caring more about the tasks around me, or the people in front of me?

    Tasks Can Have Relational Purposes

    “In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

    Good deeds (tasks) are not a bad thing in and of themselves. Matthew teaches us that the purpose of them is to praise God and to let our lights shine so others would be witnessed to. The ultimate hope is that others can have a relationship with Jesus. This poses questions like, “Is my task meaningful?” or “Is the Lord glorified in this?” We can become more aware of the purpose of our to do list and pray by asking God to help us to do our actions from the right place of love for Him and others.

    “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23).

    Colossians also backs up this concept. Whatever we do is ultimately for the glory of God. This re-centers our hearts on the gift of love. When we are working from a place of resting in our identity in Christ, our task overflows from a strong understanding of Who we represent.

    Slow Down and See Others

    “In reply Jesus said: ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him’” (Luke 10:30-34).

    One of the most beautiful, heroic accounts of kindness and selflessness was the good Samaritan, whom Jesus mentions in Luke 10. A Jewish man was attacked and left half dead on the road. A Priest and a Levite each passed by him and refused to help. How heartless do you have to be? Could they have been too focused on their religious duties? They were supposedly closer to God. However the Samaritan, the unsung hero, stepped in and rescued this man. He saw the man in need and took action. His acts of bandaging and dressing the Jewish man’s wounds were out of selfless love.

    We might be thinking that we would never be so hard-hearted to leave someone dying next to us on the street. However, what about the many people spiritually dying all around us every day who need to be seen and spoken to? What about that coffee shop barista? Or that girl looking saddened on a bench downtown? What about the kid who is being bullied at school? How about the co-worker who just wants a friend to eat lunch with sometime? Or the janitor cleaning the bathroom? Do we truly care about the people around us and their needs? Is our speed of life and the “Get it done” mentality breeding self-centered decisions? Can we let go and slow down our pace to listen and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading?

    The Second Greatest Commandment

    “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:38).

    We are called to love others. Maybe you think that doing a task is equivalent to love? This can be part of showing love to another. But, if we neglect to be present by only doing service work for others, we forsake the relational depth and closeness.

    One of the ways that I have challenged myself this year is instead of having a “to-do” list, I create a “People to Love” list. It reminds me that God has called me to care for certain people today or this week and how I am going to rise to the occasion in word, presence, and tasks. Tasks are not bad when put in the correct place in our lives. May all that we do be done out of love.

    Photo credit: ©Getty Images/People Images

    Emma Danzey’s mission in life stems from Ephesians 3:20-21, to embrace the extraordinary. One of her greatest joys is to journey with the Lord in His Scriptures. She is wife to Drew and mom to Graham. Emma serves alongside her husband in ministry, she focuses most of her time in the home, but loves to provide articles on the Bible, life questions, and Christian lifestyle. Her article on Interracial Marriage was the number 1 on Crosswalk in 2021. Most recently, Emma released Treasures for Tots, (Scripture memory songs) for young children. During her ministry career, Emma has released Wildflower: Blooming Through Singleness, two worship EP albums, founded and led Polished Conference Ministries, and ran the Refined Magazine. You can view her articles on her blog at emmadanzey.wordpress.com and check out her Instagram @Emmadanzey.

    LISTEN: Thinking Christian about Making and Keeping New Year’s Resolutions

    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Salem Web Network and Salem Media Group.

    WATCH: 10 Sins Christians Downplay (and Why They’re So Destructive)

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    READ: 10 Sins That Often Go Overlooked in Christian Community

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    Emma Danzey

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  • 5 Boundaries to Set with Toxic Parents

    5 Boundaries to Set with Toxic Parents

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    Setting boundaries with toxic parents can be very difficult; however, it is not impossible. If you struggle with toxic parents, you know how damaging their interactions can be.

    As nice as it would be if all of our parents were supportive, caring, and loving, the reality is that not all of our parents are like this. For many individuals, our parents are toxic, and they are not helpful in the growth of our lives.

    If you have toxic parents, know you are not alone. There are many people across the world who also have toxic parents, and it can make your entire life toxic.

    Whether you live away from your parents or you are still living under their roof, there are still many things you can do to protect your own well-being.

    Here are five boundaries to set with toxic parents.

    1. Don’t Invalidate My Pain

    One boundary to set with toxic parents is that they don’t need to invalidate your pain. Parents who are toxic have a way of invalidating their children’s pain.

    Many parents have the false view that their children are “overly emotional” or see things from a different perspective.

    This is not true, especially if you are a teen, preteen, or an adult. Even as children, we can see when our pain is being invalidated, or a parent tells us to “just grow up.”

    While we still love our parents, it’s hard to ignore when they invalidate our pain. I shared my struggles with my mom about my anorexia and depression, but she never really understood my pain.

    Rather than walking beside me and encouraging me, she only tore me down. I love my mom, and I always will, but this was a flaw on her behalf. I’m not sure if she just could not understand these feelings or if it was something she was never capable of doing.

    If your parents have ever invalidated your pain, know that I see you. Not only this, but know that God sees you as well. He sees all of your pain, and He wants to carry it for you.

    When you set this boundary with your parents, they might not take it well, but it is something you need to stand by. 

    Even if they do not honor your boundary, know that you can still keep reinforcing it. If they won’t honor your boundary, it is best to just change the topic to something less stressful.

    2. I Need Time Alone

    A second boundary to set with toxic parents is that you need time alone. Everyone needs time alone, including yourself. It is okay to set this boundary with your toxic parents, especially during the holidays.

    During the holidays, we are normally around our parents more often, and this can cause tensions to grow fast. Instead of allowing yourself to be overcome with anxiety and stress, set down the boundary ahead of time that you need time alone.

    Don’t give your parents any time to object to your boundaries. Instead, tell them that you need time to just be by yourself and to be away from everyone. Take a walk, stay in your room for a while, or watch a movie by yourself.

    Despite your parents being toxic, it does not mean that they should not allow you to have some self-care time by yourself. If they are rude about it, respond as the Lord would. This can be hard, but it is what you must do.

    3. Respect My Decisions Just as I Respect Yours

    A third boundary to set with toxic parents is for them to respect your decisions just as you respect theirs. Parents have a way of wanting to helicopter over our lives and toxic parents will use this as a way to micromanage your life.

    This can feel overwhelming and suffocating at times. Don’t allow yourself to experience this anymore. Set the boundary that they need to respect your decisions just as you respect their decisions.

    Most of us have seen our parents make some poor choices throughout their lives, but we never judge them for it. Rather, we are supportive and help as best as we can. In the same way, our parents need to do the same.

    They need to respect you and your decisions without passing judgment. If they cannot adhere to this boundary, you need to convey to them that you might not be able to spend much time with them anymore.

    All relationships are built upon respect and if your parents don’t respect you, they are going to have a hard time being kind to you when you make a decision that they don’t agree with.

    When you set the boundary with your parents that they need to respect you just as you respect them, you can tell them that they don’t have to agree or accept your decision, but they need to respect it.

    Toxic parents are not normally respectful; however, this is a boundary you need to set down. If they don’t honor it, consider removing yourself from the situation.

    4. If You Have Nothing Nice to Say, Don’t Say Anything at All

    A fourth boundary to set with toxic parents is if they have nothing nice to say, they don’t need to say anything at all. Our parents can be our worst critics. They make unnecessary remarks about our jobs, our life decisions, and our appearance.

    Most of the time, these remarks are not kind or helpful. In order to prevent yourself from hearing any more of these hurtful comments, you need to establish the boundary that if they don’t have anything nice to say, they don’t need to say anything at all.

    I had a friend who recently went home for the holidays, and her mother made many insensitive comments about her body. This caused my friend to have many negative emotions and struggles in her relationship with her body.

    As healthy-minded people, we can see how damaging this remark is; however, my friend’s mom probably didn’t even think about it.

    This is why it is crucial to establish this boundary ahead of time. Even our parents do not have the right to critique us or make us feel bad about ourselves.

    5. Don’t Comment on How I Am Living My Life

    A fifth boundary to set with toxic parents is to tell them that they don’t need to comment on how you are living your life. Since your parents are toxic, they are not going to give you good advice.

    If they were healthy-minded parents, it would be great to hear their feedback and what they think is best, but since your parents are toxic, they are not going to have anything helpful to say.

    Therefore, it is best to establish a boundary so that they don’t need to comment on how you are living your life.

    If you are living your life to the glory of God, there is no reason for anyone to say anything bad. We all sin and mess up, but there is no reason for a toxic parent to condemn us for something that God has forgiven.

    The Lord loves you, and He will give you direction in your life. Your toxic parents will not be much help in the way you should live your life, but you can use them as an example of how you do not want to live.

    Toxic parents are extremely unhappy with themselves. They become bitter and judgmental because of the lack of love in their hearts. Rather than being hateful and angry, they need to open their hearts to love.

    You can’t do this on your own, but you can pray for them. Even if they do not change, keep on praying for them. You still love your parents, and you hope that one day they could be the parents you need.

    For further reading:

    How to Set Boundaries and Still Live Wild and Free

    5 Biblical Boundaries to Set with Others

    How Do We Show Love to Toxic People?

    Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/evgenyatamanenko

    Vivian Bricker loves Jesus, studying the Word of God, and helping others in their walk with Christ. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degree in Christian Ministry with a deep academic emphasis in theology. Her favorite things to do are spending time with her family and friends, reading, and spending time outside. When she is not writing, she is embarking on other adventures.

    This article originally appeared on Christianity.com. For more faith-building resources, visit

    Christianity.com. Christianity.com

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  • The Beauty of New Friends

    The Beauty of New Friends

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    When we are growing up, we often think our friends from elementary school will be our best friends forever. As we get older and go to different schools, we tend to drift away and lose contact with each other. Even though this happens and it is sad, it gives us the opportunity to make new friends. No matter what stage of life we are in, there are many opportunities to make new friends. It is difficult to make friends as adults, but it is not impossible.

    There is beauty in making new friends. In fact, you might make some of your best and closest friends in your latter days of life. Personally, as an adult now, I have found it hard to make new friends; however, new friends have a way of coming into my life. If you want to try to find some new friends, walk around a new neighborhood, go to a different coffeeshop, or go to a church function at a different church than you normally go to. All of these things can help you make new friends.

    Being Thankful for New Friends

    When you make new friends, it makes you very thankful. I recently made a few new friends in a neighborhood I started walking in about a year ago. Despite only knowing these individuals for a short period of time, they have been some of the kindest and caring people I have ever known. They truly care about me, which is something that is unusual for me. They are faithful followers of Christ, and it is good to know there are others out there who still follow Christ. 

    It can be discouraging at times when our longtime friends don’t have time for us or they are busy with their own lives. This is why we need to have many friends and soak in all the beauty of new friends. Just because you are making new friends does not mean you are somehow forgetting your friends from a long time ago. Rather, new friends are friends that you can talk to about other subjects and get a fresh perspective on things. Especially if you make friends with wiser Christians, it can help you grow in your relationship with Christ.

    It will also challenge your walk with Christ because your new friend might be more encouraging in your relationship with God. Not many of my friends in the past have talked to me much about Jesus though we are all Christians; however, the new friends I have made talk to me about Jesus all the time and all the things God has been teaching them in the Bible. This is beautiful to see as it is hard to find individuals who are so devoted to the Lord and are excited to learn more about Him. 

    A Wiser Word

    Making new friends will also give you the opportunity to hear wiser words from your friends. When you make new friends with other believers, they will be able to help disciple you through the Bible and through their own life experiences. In one of my undergrad classes, one of my professors spoke about the importance of always being discipled by an older Christian and always discipling a younger Christian. In this way, you as an individual Christian are always being discipled as well as discipling others. 

    Never underestimate how much new friends can help you as you walk with the Lord. They can help you and share previous experiences of their lives to warn you of going down a different path. As believers, we always need to be focusing on the Lord and following Him; however, sometimes the worries of this life pull our eyes away from Jesus. Your new Christian friends will be able to help point you back to Jesus when you are feeling weary or lost. They will be there as a source of support and guidance when you are struggling in life or in your faith. 

    Not Being Alone in Your Walk with God

    Not only will new Christian friends be able to help you in your walk with God, but they will also help you know that you are not alone in your walk with God. It can be easy to think we are alone in this life. We look around us and it can feel as though there are no Christians in the world. While this isn’t true, it can feel really real at times. If anything, it can feel as though the Christians are in hiding and are too afraid to stand up for the Lord. By making new friends, you have the opportunity to build a great friendship with a mature Christian who will be able to help you not feel as alone.

    Feeling alone is all too common for most of us in the present day, but it is not true. We are never alone because God is with us (Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 41:10). God is always on our side and He will never walk away from us. Our Christian friends will also help us not feel alone because they will be there in our time of need. If you struggle with depression, anxiety, or another co-occurring disorder, you know how hard it can be to not feel alone even if you are surrounded by people. 

    Maybe you feel lost, alone, and hopeless even in a crowd of people. By having a few close friends, such as your new friends, it can help you feel found, seen, and full of hope. One individual friend who goes out of their way for you can leave you with a heart of fullness and contentment. True friends make you feel seen and loved. This is the beauty of friendships because God never intended for us to walk this life alone. He knows we need help from other believers and He wants us to go to them when we are in need.

    We can always go to God and we should, but God also wants us to talk with others. We should not neglect either part of it because the Lord wants us to come to Him, pour our hearts out to Him, and tell Him everything as well as He wants us to go to our Christian friends for support. This world is too difficult to walk through on our own. The Lord wants us to be in fellowship with Him as well as other believers and have people we can rely on. Without trusted friends, the world can feel really lonely and scary. With God and our trusted Christian friends, the world feels less lonely and not as scary. 

    If you have recently made new friends, continue to develop a friendship with them. Spend time with them and listen to their wise words. If you are trying to look for new friends, try to go somewhere new or somewhere you know other Christians will be. It can seem impossible to make new friends at times, but there are many wonderful people out there to meet—you just have to find them. Having a true friend is a beautiful thing and by making new friends, you might find a friend that will last a lifetime.

    While we are to be a friend to everyone, there are friends we are closer to than others. These are the friends who help us the most with our walk with Christ, and they can call us out when we are doing wrong. If you don’t presently have a friend who helps you in your walk with Christ, try to seek out a new friend today. There are Christians across the world who would love to be your friend. They too are in search of a friend because true friends are hard to find. When you find a true friend who will help you in your walk with Christ, it is a beautiful thing.

    Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images 

    Vivian Bricker loves Jesus, studying the Word of God, and helping others in their walk with Christ. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degree in Christian Ministry with a deep academic emphasis in theology. Her favorite things to do are spending time with her family and friends, reading, and spending time outside. When she is not writing, she is embarking on other adventures.

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  • COCONUT BREAD

    COCONUT BREAD

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    This Coconut Bread is so easy to make, doesn’t need yeast, and has a wonderful flavor. Moist and delicious! If you love coconut this bread is a must try!

    Coconut BreadCoconut Bread

    If you love coconut as much as we do, then you will definitely want to try this Pineapple Coconut Loaf. It’s one of our most popular recipes!

    ❤️WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE

    This bread has a wonderful flavor and it’s easy to make. It’s a quick bread so you just throw it all together and bake. It would be the perfect addition to any breakfast or brunch but could also be a dessert. I goes great with coffee!

    🍴KEY INGREDIENTS

    • All-purpose flour
    • Salt
    • Baking powder
    • Baking soda
    • White granulated sugar
    • Eggs
    • Butter 
    • Coconut extract (could use vanilla extract)
    • Buttermilk
    • Sweetened flake coconut

    SWAPS

    You could use unsweetened coconut if you want to, we just like the sweetened version. I think this recipe would also work fine with regular milk, but the buttermilk really makes it moist.

    🍽️HOW TO MAKE

    So easy to make and not a lot of ingredients! This coconut bread is a definite winner!

    COOKING STEPS

    Step 1
    Whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda and set aside.  Cream sugar, butter and eggs in a mixing bowl.

    Step 2
     Pour in flour mixture along with buttermilk and coconut extract and continue mixing until all ingredients are wet.  Fold in coconut.  

    Step 3
    Spray a 9 x 5 loaf pan with cooking spray and bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 45 to 50 minutes until center tests done. I top the bread with a little extra coconut before I put it in the oven.

    Coconut BreadCoconut Bread

    ⭐TIP

    Don’t over-mix the bread; it can cause it to dry out during the cooking process. You can also use parchment paper instead of cooking spray in your pan if you prefer.

    You can also toast the coconut if you prefer, here is how we toast coconut.

    RECIPE VARIATIONS

    If you have followed our site for any amount of time you know that we love coconut. Here are a few more recipes that include coconut:

    ❓FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    Do you prefer sweetened or unsweetened coconut?

    We prefer sweetened, but you can use whichever you like.

    Can you replace the buttermilk with coconut milk?

    We have never made it that way, but you can try it. The buttermilk adds a certain fat content to the recipe, so it will change it some.

    STORING

    We store this bread in an airtight container and it will keep for a few days. You can freeze quick breads for around 3 months.

    Sour Cream Bread

    This bread is easy to make and has a wonderful texture. Crust on top and soft center.

    SERVING SIZE

    This is about 4-6 servings, depending on how big of a slice. I always say people have about 2 slices.

    Coconut Bread

    Anne Walkup

    This Coconut Bread is a quick bread and it’s wonderful! Takes no prep time, mix and pour into pan and bake. If you like coconut you will love this coconut bread. Great for breakfast, brunch or dessert!

    Prep Time 15 minutes

    Cook Time 50 minutes

    Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

    Course bread

    Cuisine American, southern

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 stick butter or 8 tablespoons or 1/2 cup softened
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons coconut extract could use vanilla extract
    • 1 cup buttermilk
    • 1 cup of sweetened flake coconut

    • Whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda and set aside.  Cream sugar, butter and eggs in a mixing bowl.

    • Pour in flour mixture along with buttermilk and coconut extract and continue mixing until all ingredients are wet.  Fold in coconut.

    • We sprinkle coconut on top of the loaf before it goes in the oven for added texture and it looks great that way.

    • Spray a 9 x 5 loaf pan with cooking spray and bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 45 to 50 minutes until center tests done.  Makes 1 loaf.

    Let us know by commenting below!

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    © The Southern Lady Cooks photos and text – All rights reserved. No copying, posting on other sites, or other uses allowed without written permission of the copyright holder.


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  • 5 Prayers for Stronger Communication and Connection in Today’s Culture

    5 Prayers for Stronger Communication and Connection in Today’s Culture

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    Connection isn’t easy, but the experience is worthwhile. The tighter our bonds with other people, the better our marriages, families, and children. The impact even extends from our homes all the way to society at large. Political strife becomes nonexistent, and wars obsolete. With so many people walking the Earth today and technology so readily available, none of us have to go through life alone, yet, the current loneliness epidemic indicates that many people are doing just that.

    Any one of us can look around and take note of the sheer number of broken families, superficial friendships, and people in need of constant affirmation. These factors are all representative of a culture that has fallen short of an ideal community.

    But why is loneliness so rampant?

    There are many answers to that question, but they all boil down to one key answer – our culture promotes living more for ourselves and less for God. “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another” is one of many verses in Scripture highlighting the benefits and importance of connection (Proverbs 27:17, CSB). At the heart of these various passages, we understand that connection is formed when we live both in service to God and to other people. 

    However, our society encourages self-care over care for others. Add that to the natural awkwardness that comes with talking to people and the fear of uncertainty and rejection we so often feel. This leads many of us to stick to our comfort zone. Plus, we can chat via social media without making ourselves vulnerable in any meaningful way and ghost anyone when we get too uneasy.

    Yet, the results show. Doing things the way we have been will ensure that loneliness continues to thrive. Only by reclaiming the lost art of communication can we hope to end this epidemic.

    And how do we do that? The solution is two-fold: we act, and we pray.

    I know first-hand what the struggle with loneliness looks and feels like in the darkest way, but I’ve never quite understood those who complain about loneliness and do nothing to change their circumstances. Loneliness may be something you’re struggling with today, but you have some control over what tomorrow looks like.

    Here are a few ways you can start building connections with other people:

    • Get involved in church or a recreational group.
    • Strike up conversations with strangers at the store, library, and similar places.
    • Make plans to connect with someone you know.
    • Abandon any fear of coming off as weird or awkward.
    • Consider how you can grow relationally wherever God has placed you currently.

    In addition to acting, the Bible calls us to pray on the things we care about (1 Peter 5:7). God is invested in your well-being and, therefore, in your connections. If there’s any doubt you want to assuage for yourself or anyone else, then here are five prayers for stronger communication and connection in today’s culture.

    A Prayer for Communication

    God,

    I come before you now with deep concerns for my culture. Today’s people are not centered around you. We’re occupied with ourselves and our interests. Dedication to you and our neighbors has fallen by the wayside.

    Unsurprisingly, a lot of people are lonely.

    But God, truthfully, even those who choose to follow you find themselves lonely today. There just aren’t as many people who are after your heart.

    So, we feel lonely if we chase you and lonely if we don’t.

    Lord, I pray that you would help all of us to first find stability in you. Let those who know you, learn more, and those who don’t, find Christ. Help us to get to know you, understand you, and ultimately, dedicate our lives to you. From there, I pray that we would learn to communicate better with one another. Help us to become more aware of one another’s needs and discern how to better serve one another.

    These days, there’s so much conflict, so much arguing, and everybody wants to be right. We all seem to be suffering, yet no one knows how to come together. Please, give us the tools to cooperate. Instead of sweeping problems under the rug and ignoring what obviously burdens us, Lord, would you grant us the courage to speak up? Would you give us the courage to be humble? Would you show us how to make tomorrow better than today?

    Thank you, Lord. Amen.

    A Prayer for Self-Awareness

    Lord,

    I pray for greater self-awareness in today’s culture. So many of us can easily diagnose the problems in others, but we have a difficult time holding a mirror up to ourselves. Something about being honest about our problems makes us afraid. Perhaps we feel incapable of change, prideful, or just plain lazy. I suppose everybody has their reason, but I pray that no excuse would ultimately prevent us from growing, both to you and one another.

    Amen.

    A Prayer for Humility

    Father,

    Humility makes such a difference when we communicate. However, humility is in short supply today. We think about ourselves all the time, and culture pushes us to do so. Proverbs 21:2 says that every man is right in his own eyes, but you weigh our hearts. I pray that you will move in your people today to create a culture of humility. Change our hearts to think of ourselves less often and to have more thoughts about you and other people. Make the church the embodiment of humility, and may our example go on to change the culture at large.

    Amen.

    A Prayer for Reconciliation

    God,

    This society is in need of deep reconciliation. Families have been broken apart, marriages abandoned, and children neglected. Has anyone been spared from some kind of hurt in recent years? There are societal problems related to transgenderism, the Covid response, and so many other political topics. The media tells us to treat those who disagree with us like our enemies. Social media encourages the same. And the fact that we don’t know how to communicate well with each other doesn’t help.

    Lord, please restore sensibility to our culture. Restore a sense of civility. Give us a greater understanding of those we disagree with and ourselves. Just as we see the shortcomings in others, please help us to be introspective, too. The more we know, the greater our problem-solving can be.

    Help us to come together again as a society before things get any worse.

    In Jesus’ name. Amen.

    A Prayer for Change

    Lord,

    Loneliness is being labeled an epidemic, and truthfully, I see no end to it in sight. People complain about loneliness and yet seem to be working against finding connection. Then there are those working hard to find connection and praying to you, yet still coming up short. What are we to do, God? How do we actually make change?

    Could you please show us the way out of this strife? Please bring an end to this loneliness, both for individuals and for society. Deliver us into a brighter tomorrow where we can experience the beauty of connection with you and people.

    Amen.

    Conclusion

    Connection isn’t easy. It’s hard. But the experience is worthwhile. There will be times in life when you feel lonely, either in the absence or presence of other people. I’ve been there, and more than once. Yet, what I have also realized, and what I hope you learn too, is that though you feel lonely, you are never truly alone, not because of people but because of God. He is always present.

    Loneliness is a result of reality contrasting with our expectations. When we rewrite our thinking and focus more on what we have than what we don’t, our attitude changes. We begin to see God more than what we lack. And while that doesn’t erase what we don’t have, and believe me, human connection is important, connecting with God does remind us that we can get through the day. He will provide our needs. All because He cares.

    Photo Credit: Unsplash/Christina @ wocintechchat.com

    Aaron D’Anthony Brown is a freelance writer, hip-hop dance teacher, and visual artist, living in Virginia. He currently contributes work to iBelieve, Crosswalk, and supports various clients through the platform Upwork. He’s an outside-the-box thinker with a penchant for challenging the status quo. Check out his short story “Serenity.”

    LISTEN: A Prayer for a Fresh New Start

    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Salem Web Network and Salem Media Group.

    This article is part of our Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can’t find the words to pray.

    Serenity Prayer
    The Lord’s Prayer
    Prayer for Peace
    Morning Prayers
    Good Night Prayers

    Prayer for Healing
    Prayer for Protection
    Prayer for God’s Help
    Prayer for Anxiety
    Prayer for Strength

    WATCH: Daily Prayers of Thanksgiving

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    Now available is our new Daily Prayer devotional! An easy way to start your day with prayer: read today’s prayer and sign up to receive it by email.

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  • Is Marriage Meant to Be a Headship or a Partnership?

    Is Marriage Meant to Be a Headship or a Partnership?

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    Ephesians 5:22– 28 gives instructions on how to run a household based on godly principles: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now, as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.”

    Submission is a difficult concept for people to accept in modern-day society. When people hear the word “submission,” they often think of women who don’t have an opportunity to speak their minds and must be silent, allowing their husbands to make all the decisions. However, that’s an archaic understanding of the word submission.

    In day-to-day life, marriage should work as a partnership, with both parties having a say in how the marriage functions. However, in times of conflict, when both parties feel they are right, one person must submit. This helps to promote peace and allow for conflict to be properly resolved. In Ephesians 5, Paul calls the woman to be the one who submits first. A woman yielding herself to God will submit to Christ and allow Christ to direct the husband to make the decision. When a decision is made, the wife needs to support her husband. If a wrong decision is made, it’s not the time for the wife to gloat or say, “I told you so.” Instead, this is an opportunity for them both to grow in how they communicate, support, and mutually respect each other.

    A healthy marriage is both a partnership and a headship. But how can a marriage reflect both principles from Ephesians 5? Here are some ways a marriage points to both headship and a partnership:

    A Husband Who Submits to Christ Will Value His Wife’s Input

    Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Sam Edwards

    A marriage not based on mutual respect and love will cause one party to feel excluded or not valued. If a husband is in obedience to Ephesians 5, he will love his wife enough to put her first above all else, including his own opinion. When appropriate, it’s possible the husband would decide to allow the wife to make the main decision, even if the two are in conflict. This would allow the wife to be heard and for her input to be valued. When her husband makes the final decision or submits to his wife, both give God glory when one submits to the other.

    A Wife Who Submits to Christ Will Allow Her Husband to Lead

    It is difficult for a wife to submit to her husband even if she knows his decision is not the right one. A proper decision is not one in which the man gets to make the decision and make everything okay but instead makes a decision with his wife’s input in mind. He is making a decision that will mutually benefit both people. Her wife will honor and respect her husband and allow him to make decisions. If he loves her and puts her first in everyday life, it will be much easier for her to submit to him than to someone who ignores and devalues her. It’ll be more important for her to be heard even if she feels devalued somehow. However, if she is feeling honored, valued, and appreciated for who she is, it will be easy for her to submit when the time is right.

    A Husband Who Submits to Christ Makes the Best Decision for His Family

    Although it may be difficult for a wife to submit to her husband, it will be easy for her to do so if his prior decisions have always been in the best interest of his family. When a husband puts his family first and makes decisions to benefit them while making sacrifices, he has demonstrated a sacrificial attitude. This is an attitude most like Christ and one that a wife can trust when a decision becomes difficult to make. When her husband operates within a sacrificial attitude, it helps build trust and intimacy between him and his wife. She knows she can trust him because she knows he has her best interests in mind.

    Couple on couch researching on computer finances

    Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Delmaine Donson

    A Husband Loves God as Much as Himself

    The last verse in the Ephesians 5 passage talks about a husband who loves his wife as much as he loves himself. This is speaking highly of a husband if he loves himself. When we were born, we were born with a sin nature. We are naturally inclined to think of ourselves first. When we yield our lives to Christ, the Holy Spirit teaches us how to be more sacrificial and live our lives according to the fruits of the spirit. The fruits of the spirit are the antithesis of selfishness as they are others-centered—fruits such as kindness, love, patience, and gentleness benefit others, not ourselves. When a husband loves God as much as he loves himself, he will put God above all things. Even when a decision needs to be made, and he disagrees with his wife, he will make that decision based on what will be in his family’s best interest. He will not think of himself or put himself first, but rather what is in the best interest of his family. A wife who has difficulty with submission will be able to submit more readily with an attitude of sacrifice, love, and respect for her.

    Verse twenty-eight also discusses how a man loves his wife as much as he loves his own body. In addition to being born with a sinful nature, we are all born with an inclination to avoid pain and enjoy pleasure. Therefore, they will avoid anything that will cause them suffering or harm of any kind. But with the Holy Spirit, he can change from a selfish person to a selfless person. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice, enduring suffering at the cross. In the same way, when a husband is working to do the same for his wife, submission will come easily to both parties.

    Ephesians 5 demonstrates that a marriage can both be a partnership and a headship. When a man is the head of his home, it does not mean he acts in a controlling or manipulative way, making decisions that only benefit himself. On the contrary, he makes decisions in the best interest of his family, putting her and his family first above all else. When the family operates correctly, and the husband, who is the head of the home, operates with integrity, sacrifice, and love for his wife, a marriage can demonstrate both a headship and a partnership as both people work together for the good of each other. They also give God glory by placing him at the head of their marriage.

    Related Articles:

    What Submission Is Not

    What Is Submission in Marriage?

    Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Love portrait and love the world

    Writer Michelle LazurekMichelle S. Lazurek is a multi-genre award-winning author, speaker, pastor’s wife, and mother. She is a literary agent for Wordwise Media Services and a certified writing coach. Her new children’s book Who God Wants Me to Be encourages girls to discover God’s plan for their careers. When not working, she enjoys sipping a Starbucks latte, collecting 80s memorabilia, and spending time with her family and her crazy dog. For more info, please visit her website www.michellelazurek.com.

    Related Podcast Resource: 5 Ways to C.O.V.E.R. Your Marriage in Prayer

    One of the most important things you can do for your marriage is to pray for your marriage. Learning communication skills, conflict resolution techniques and intimacy hacks are great. However, if you’re leaving your marriage uncovered by failing to pray for your spouse and your marriage, it will always be vulnerable to attacks. Prayer is an essential guiding tool to get you and your spouse on the same page and create unity in your marriage. In this episode of Real Relationship Talk, Dana Che shares her acronym C.O.V.E.R., which teaches you how to specifically pray for your marriage. To listen, just click the play button below:

    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Salem Web Network and Salem Media Group.

    WATCH: Signs You Married for the Wrong Reasons

    Click here to read the full article.

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  • SOUTHERN SHRIMP AND GRITS

    SOUTHERN SHRIMP AND GRITS

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    Shrimp and Grits is a classic Southern dish full of flavor. Creamy grits, topped with delicious sauteed shrimp and topped with bacon. You can’t go wrong with this dish!

    Shrimp and GritsShrimp and Grits

    If you love this classic dish of Shrimp and Grits, you will also love this Southern Red Rice. It’s a classic from Charleston and absolutely delicious.

    ❤️WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE

    This dish is loaded in flavor but doesn’t take hours, which is always a huge plus. This dish was primarily a breakfast dish for a long time, but many people now enjoy it for dinner. So many things we love bout this dish but the flavor is wonderful and the grits are creamy. This dish is a Southern favorite and has been around a long time for a reason.

    🍴KEY INGREDIENTS

    • Bacon
    • Medium or large shrimp peeled and deveined
    • Bacon drippings
    • Butter
    • Green onion
    • Green pepper
    • Celery
    • Garlic
    • Cajun seasoning (check out our recipe to make your own Cajun seasoning)
    • Black pepper
    • Hot sauce or pinch cayenne
    • Grits:
    • Milk (can use whole or 2 per cent)
    • Butter
    • Salt
    • Old-fashioned grits – NOT instant
    • Sharp cheddar cheese
    • Salt and Pepper to taste

    SWAPS

    You can switch out the cheese to different flavors if you like, but the sharp cheddar gives it a good taste. Some people don’t like celery, so leave it out if you like. You can use turkey bacon if you want a lower-fat dish, but the pork bacon, cooked to a crisp, is our favorite.

    🍽️HOW TO MAKE

    This dish is very easy to make, and you can make the grits while you cook the shrimp!

    PREPARATIONS

    Organize all of your ingredients makes it much easier.

    COOKING STEPS

    Step 1
    Cook the bacon, remove from pan and set aside.  Combine two tablespoons bacon drippings, 1 tablespoon butter, green onion, green pepper, celery, garlic, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper in a skillet and cook until vegetables are tender.  About 8 to 10 minutes.  Add shrimp and hot sauce or cayenne and cook about four more minutes until shrimp are done.  Set aside and prepare grits

    Step 2
    Put milk, butter and salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Using a whisk and stirring constantly add the grits a little at a time.  This keeps the grits from clumping.  Lower the heat, cover and cook five to six minutes or until grits thicken.  Remove from heat and gradually stir in cheddar cheese.  Stir until cheese melts. 

    HOW TO PLATE

    Put several spoonfuls of grits in a bowl and layer some shrimp mixture over the top.  Crumble bacon on top of the shrimp and garnish with chopped green onions.

    Shrimp and GritsShrimp and Grits

    ⭐TIP

    If grits get too thick you can always add a little water to thin them, but we actually like them to have a little thicker consistency. It’s all about what your family likes.

    We also use Old Fashioned Grits, not instant. The Old Fashioned Grits is the way to go in this recipe.

    You may also love these Garlic Cheese Grits, this recipe is wonderful.

    Go for the larger shrimp when making this dish. We also like good bacon; it’s just worth it to splurge a little and get great ingredients for this classic.

    OTHER SHRIMP DISHES

    If you love to cook with shrimp, check out these other delicious dishes your family will love!

    ❓FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    Do you serve shrimp and grits for breakfast or dinner?

    We serve it for both! It’s a wonderful brunch dish too.

    Do you use large or small shrimp?

    Either, but we suggest getting the larger shrimp.

    STORING AND REHEATING

    We store this in an airtight container and just reheat in the microwave.

    SERVING SIZE

    This is about 4-6 servings, depending on how big of a plate you serve. You can easily double this recipe for a larger group.

    Southern Shrimp and Grits

    Anne Walkup

    Shrimp and Grits are a traditional southern dish your family will love. Creamy grits made with sharp cheddar cheese, topped with sauteed shrimp and bacon. This one is a winner! Great reviews.

    Prep Time 10 minutes

    Cook Time 25 minutes

    Total Time 35 minutes

    Course Main Course

    Cuisine American, southern

    • 3 to 4 slices bacon
    • 1 pound medium or large shrimp peeled and deveined
    • 2 tablespoons bacon drippings
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • 1/2 cup chopped green onion
    • 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
    • 1/2 cup chopped celery
    • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
    • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    • few drops hot sauce or pinch cayenne

    Grits:

    • 2 1/3 cups milk can use whole or 2 per cent
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 cup old fashioned grits
    • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
    • Salt and Pepper to taste

    • Cook the bacon, remove from pan and set aside.

    • Combine two tablespoons bacon drippings, 1 tablespoon butter, green onion, green pepper, celery, garlic, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper in a skillet and cook until vegetables are tender. About 8 to 10 minutes.

    • Add shrimp and hot sauce or cayenne and cook about four more minutes until shrimp are done. Set aside and prepare grits.

    Grits Instructions

    • Put milk, butter and salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Using a whisk and stirring constantly add the grits a little at a time. This keeps the grits from clumping.

    • Lower the heat, cover and cook five to six minutes or until grits thicken.

    • Remove from heat and gradually stir in cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese melts. (If grits get too thick you can always add a little water to thin.)

    • Put several spoonfuls of grits in a bowl and layer some of the shrimp mixture over the top. Crumble bacon on top of the shrimp and garnish with chopped green onions.

    Let us know by commenting below!

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    © The Southern Lady Cooks photos and text – All rights reserved. No copying, posting on other sites, or other uses allowed without written permission of the copyright holder.


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  • 3 Reasons Accountability Fails and What to Do about It

    3 Reasons Accountability Fails and What to Do about It

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    Every so often, we hear of leaders (some well-known and others not as much) who fall into some level of sin or indiscretion. When this happens, it shocks many people, and when it happens in the church, it damages many people in the flock. Some end up leaving that church and for some, it even causes them to question their own faith.

    Yet the potential to fall victim to sin and indiscretion does not just happen to leaders, it can happen to everyday people like you and me, too. Whenever these things happen, you may try to piece together why it happened. While there are many potential reasons, there is one thread that seems to run through each situation. In just about every case, there was a lack of accountability in the person’s life.

    While I am a believer in accountability, I also recognize that it has its own set of pitfalls. In fact, some people who fell into sin had people around them who were responsible for keeping them accountable, yet it didn’t work. So where are the holes in accountability and how do we plug them?

    While I don’t know all the reasons accountability fails, I know at least three. I want to share those with you along with some ways to fix them.

    What Is Accountability?

    When you look at various definitions of this word, accountability is the willingness to give an account. You are taking responsibility and acknowledging what you have said and what you have done. In the way we are using the word, it is giving someone else permission to question you about what you have done, what you have said, or where you have been. This is not an inquisition, but a willingness to open your life so that there are no hidden places in it. 

    This matters because sin and temptation grow in the dark, but they die in the light. When you are accountable, you are shedding light on your life so that sin and temptation cannot flourish in it. When accountability is working, you may give someone access to your life. This should include all the places where your choices and decisions are made. Depending on the situation, this could be your phone, email, or even your finances. The goal is simply to keep you from making sinful decisions and to find additional support if you are being tempted.

    3 Reasons Accountability Fails

    1. You Are Not Honest

    While you may think accountability begins with others, it begins with you. Accountability only works to the degree you will be honest. The entire house of accountability is built on the foundation of how truthful you will be to those who are there to help you. If you purposely keep secrets, then accountability does not work. So, for it to work, it must begin with you. 

    A good friend of mine and I were helping each other manage our diets because we wanted to eat heathier. In our conversations with each other, if we didn’t truthfully disclose what we ate, then we rendered the accountability ineffective. This is the fatal flaw in any accountability situation.

    2. You Surround Yourself with the Wrong People

    For accountability to work, you must ensure you position the right people around you. If the surrounding people will not be honest with you and tell you the truth, then they are worthless regarding accountability. If you really want to be held accountable, you need people who will tell you the truth, no matter what – even when you don’t like it or don’t want to hear it.

    I have read the stories of many leaders who surround themselves with yes people who only rubber stamp everything they do. These kinds of people add no value to your life. When these are the people leaders surround themselves with, is it any wonder that the leaders fell in that situation? Honestly, it was only a matter of time.

    3. You Control What You Will Reveal

    Another fatal flaw in accountability is that most often, you have control over what you reveal. For people who are wrestling with a specific sin or temptation, they can find creative ways to cover their tracks. When they do this, they eliminate the value of accountability in their life.

    How Do You Solve These Problems to Make Accountability Work for You?

    You must have complete transparency.

    If you really want to be accountable, then you must allow people to see everything, warts and all. This is not to shame or embarrass you, but to help you stay on track.

    The process must exist outside of your control.

    For this to work best, this process of transparency cannot be within your control. If you control it, then you go back to the problem of only revealing what you want people to see. However, if you know someone can see everything, that alone makes you think twice before making a sinful choice. That moment of rethinking before you do something is exactly what accountability is supposed to do.

    There is a highway near our house where the speed limit is 65 MPH. This road is smooth and well maintained and people usually go well above 65 (obviously I am talking about all the other drivers out there, not me). There are two places on this highway where the frequent drivers know state troopers will be. Sometimes they are there and sometimes they aren’t. However, just knowing they could be there causes the drivers to slow down whenever they reach that part of the highway. This is accountability at work. Knowing that someone else will see the choices you make will hopefully cause you to make better choices.

    You must surrender to the process.

    As good as accountability can be, again, you are the central figure in whether it will work. You must choose to surrender to the process and give someone else the right to ask you the tough questions. If that is not part of the process, then your accountability structure is nothing more than a sham and it will fail.

    Some Last Thoughts on Accountability

    You should be accountable to people you trust with your life and life’s struggles. Accountability does not mean you don’t have struggles or face temptations. It means you have a mechanism in place that will help you overcome them. When you have the right people around you, they won’t judge your struggle, but will walk with you through it. They are there to have your back in the areas you may be vulnerable, so you don’t fall into the temptation. Their job is not to enable you and cover your sin; their job is to support you so you don’t give into sin. If your accountability partners are enabling your sin, then they are not helping you at all. If you surround yourself with these kinds of people, it is only a matter of time before you fall.

    When you sum up the conversation on accountability, it all comes back to you. It relies on your integrity, your honesty, and your willingness to submit to the process. If you remove these things, then you can have the right people and the right system in place, but if you don’t have the right heart, then accountability is going to fail.

    I guess the summary is not that accountability doesn’t work. Better said is that accountability works in your life only if you want it to.

    Related articles
    3 Reasons People Fail New Years Resolutions, and How to Overcome Them
    3 Questions to Ask Yourself as You Think about Jesus’ Return
    The Most Important Thing to Remember about the Upcoming Election Season

    Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Sanja Radin

    Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a speaker, Bible teacher, and co-founder of The Bible Study Club.  He is the author of The Pursuit of Purpose which will help you understand how God leads you into his will. His most recent book is The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. This book will teach you how to put the pieces together so you can live a victorious Christian life and finally become the man or woman of God that you truly desire to be. Clarence is also committed to helping 10,000 people learn how to study the Bible and has just released his first Bible study course called Bible Study Basics. To learn more about his ministry please visit clarencehaynes.com. 

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    Clarence L. Haynes Jr.

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  • What True Friendships Mean

    What True Friendships Mean

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    If you go through your social media connections, how many people do you really know? Ten percent? Fifty percent? All? It’s already been proven by research that we have taken the meaning of “friendships” out of context. And with the increase of loneliness despite thousands of connections, we know that we are not building true friendships.

    But even outside of social media, we misinterpret friendships. Watching the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills—one of my guilty pleasures—is a classic example. The women hang out, party, and go on vacations together. Yet, they start peeling away at their conversations to backstab and trash-talk one another. Sometimes, they even like to confront one another publicly either for an admission of the truth or a lie. Shouldn’t friends speak privately first—and without badgering—to chat about serious matters or concerns? 

    Here’s one encounter between Kyle and Sutton. Sutton confronts Kyle with these words: “There’s something wrong with your life. You’re not drinking. Why? Is there a problem? Did you drink too much?” While still reeling from Sutton’s harsh words, Kyle admitted that she felt depressed after drinking in the past. So, she committed herself to lifestyle changes including exercise and refraining from alcohol. But Kyle’s response wasn’t acceptable to Sutton. It was still suspect to Sutton, so she talked about the non-drinking situation of Kyle to their other friends, making it an issue. Should a true friend be upset if you stop drinking? Shouldn’t a friend celebrate and give you a high five as you focus on your health journey?

    David and Jonathan

    Enough about the housewives’ world! Let’s explore the famous friendship of David and Jonathan from 1 Samuel. Here we read of David and Jonathan’s encounter following David defeating Goliath. King Saul was getting to know David, and Jonathan was there. “As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul” (1 Samuel 18:1). Surprisingly, the instant connection came from Jonathan, who could have been jealous of David’s victory. Instead, when Saul decided to have David stay in their home, “Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt” (vv. 3-4).

    Have you ever “clicked” with someone you just met? It’s like you have known this person all your life and have a deep understanding of each other! Perhaps you like the same movie or the same author or the same food—same interests that it’s weird. Whatever it is, you are just drawn to each other.

    Their Friendship at the Next Level

    Well, Jonathan took this instant connection to the next level. Short of making a blood compact, he decided to seal the friendship with David by honoring him with his robe. As the son of a king, Jonathan’s robe meant he was giving David a privileged rank. David was no longer just a shepherd meant only for the fields. He has been promoted to nobility, to sit at the king’s table. Remember the time when Joseph became the vizier of the pharaoh: “the king removed from his finger the ring engraved with the royal seal and put it on Joseph’s finger. He put a fine linen robe on him, and placed a gold chain around his neck” (Genesis 41:42). 

    Second, King Saul dressed David in his own armor before he fought Goliath. But David didn’t feel comfortable wearing it, saying, “I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them” (1 Samuel 17:39). So, when David faced Goliath, he was donned only in his normal clothes, not wearing armor nor a helmet nor a coat of steel. David even replaced the sword with his usual staff, the one he carried while taking care of the sheep. Jonathan, a military man himself, dressed David with his own battle-worn combat utilities as part of their covenant. They became comrades-in-arms, military brothers. 

    This beautiful picture of armor dressing was also vividly drawn for us by the Apostle Paul. He began with, “Finally, build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of his mighty power. Put on all the armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil’s evil tricks” (Ephesians 6:10-11). Did you notice the passage first mentioned “in union with the Lord” before “put on all the armor that God gives you”? God is asking, “Are you one with me?” And if our answer is “Yes!”, then it’s game time! Dress yourself in full gear! (You can read Ephesians 6:14-17 to learn about the full armor of God.)

    Their Friendship Tested

    This unity, the friendship, between David and Jonathan will be tested by King Saul, when the king sought to kill David out of jealousy for all David’s victory. Jonathan should have been jealous of David’s winning streak for he was also in the king’s army. But he wasn’t. Instead, Jonathan delivered the warning to David: “Saul my father seeks to kill you. Therefore, be on your guard in the morning. Stay in a secret place and hide yourself. And I will go and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak to my father about you. And if I learn anything I will tell you” (1 Samuel 19:2-3). Jonathan didn’t throw David under the bus but kept his word to protect David from the evil plan of his own father!

    How many times have we been caught forgetting ourselves from gossiping about our own friends, even the first to throw fiery darts? How could we not stop ourselves from saying mean things, like “I can’t believe that ______ looks so old and haggard!” or “Do you know that ______ just told me that ____ and her husband are on the brink of divorce?”, to others? Do we realize that we are excited to relay juicy tidbits to others? Yet we, the trusted ones, intentionally betray private conversations. Sadly, the ones we share the gossip with become powerless to stop us from malicious talks because they, too enjoy, hearing the news and adding fodder to the gossip.

    What kind of friends do we have? Are they worth keeping around because they truly care about us? Are we positive they will hold our hands when our lives are in shambles and walk with us until we can do so on our own again? Will they have our backs when someone starts talking and digging up dirt about us, saying “No! This is not right!”? If so, we are blessed! Ask yourself if your friends are blessed to have you as well. 

    “Some friendships do not last, but some friends are more loyal than brothers,” says Proverbs 18:24. True friendships offer loyalty and support, just like what the Bible described as “knit to the soul.” They are rare to find, so treasure them!

    Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/MangoStar_Studio

    Luisa Collopy is an author, speaker and a women’s Bible study teacher. She also produces Mula sa Puso (From the Heart) in Tagalog (her heart language), released on FEBC Philippines stations. Luisa loves spending time with her family over meals and karaoke!

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    Luisa Collopy

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  • Tejocote: All About the fruit of a Mexican Species of Hawthorn

    Tejocote: All About the fruit of a Mexican Species of Hawthorn

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    Tejocote. You know it well, or you have never heard of it. There seems to be no middle “I-think-I-know-what-that-is” ground for these plump, yellow crabapple lookalikes with burnished orange cheeks. Tejocote is the fruit of hawthorn trees native to the highlands of Mexico and Central America. Until 2015 it was illegal to import them into the United States, but because the fruit is an integral part of Mexican festivals and holidays in early winter, tejocotes were smuggled into the country to feed communities nostalgic for their essential presence on the Day of the Dead, at Christmas, and at New Year. Because of their unfamiliarity in the US, many cooks are unaware of their heritage and uses. Their sunny appearance in winter should activate some culinary games in the kitchen.

    Here are some ideas to get started, and my recipe for tejocote preserves in syrup.

    Photography by Marie Viljoen.

    Above: Ripe tejocote ranges from yellow to warm orange and red.

    Why the import-ban? Like other fruits once forbidden and now permitted Stateside (yuzu and mangosteen spring to mind), tejocote was associated with agricultural pests that could spread disease to domestic crops. It became the most-smuggled fruit into the US. When a farm in California’s Pauma Valley began growing tejocotes to supply local demand, the smuggling stopped. And in 2015, after a six-year review process, the USDA lifted the ban on imported tejocotes because “the application of one or more designated phytosanitary measures” would mitigate any potential risk to local crops.

    Above: Raw, the flesh is mild, and very slightly tart.

    All hawthorns belong to the Crataegus genus. In Mexico, the name tejocote (derived from the Nahuatl tetl-xocotl, meaning stone fruit, because of its big seeds) refers to all species native to the region (numbering over a dozen). The best known is Crataegus mexicana, for which C. pubescens is a defunct synonym.

    While they resemble their crabapple cousins closely (like apples and pears, both are pomes), in flavor tejocotes are significantly less astringent. They taste very mild, with undertones of apple. Their dense, dry flesh is reminiscent of quince, but also of fresh jujube—but less granular than the former, and not as sweet as the latter. Each fruit contains three or more elongated seeds.

    Above: Serrato Family Farms began growing tejocote in California in the early 2000s.

    In Mexico tejocotes are essential to edible and decorative gifts proffered on the Day of the Dead at the end of October, as well as during the Feast of Guadalupe on December 12th, Christmas, and New Year. Ponche (a hot punch) is synonymous with tejocote, and is made with guava and spices and the slowly cooked tejocote whose aroma and sky-high pectin content (rather than strong flavor, which is non-existent) give the drink a unique texture and scent. Cooked low and slow, sweet tejocote preserves are unctuous—dense, and velvety. Garlands of the fresh fruit are a vivid ornament.

    Above: Tejocotes simmering with citrus peel and fresh juniper in my kitchen.
    Above: After several slow hours of cooking, the tejocotes are close to candied.

    My first tejocote games were conservative. I cooked the fruit slowly in water with sugar, with varying aromatics. The melting but concentrated texture of the cooked fruit was unlike anything I had eaten; reminiscent of quince but smooth, and almost mildly vegetal, like a thick yam, as well as a little slippery (the pectin). The flavor came purely from the seasonings. I make versions of this annually, adding citrus peel for extra aroma, and sometimes even a pinch of salt.

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  • Hoecakes or Fried Cornbread – The Southern Lady Cooks

    Hoecakes or Fried Cornbread – The Southern Lady Cooks

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    Hoecakes, also known as fried cornbread, is a classic that goes with almost anything! We have hoecakes year round with many different meals.

    Hoecakes or Fried CornbreadHoecakes or Fried Cornbread

    Hoecakes go with anything, but we love them best with soup or stew. This Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup is a favorite!

    ❤️WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE

    Hoecakes are a classic and have been around for many, many years. Plus, fried cornbread is so versatile. You can serve it with a hearty dish, like soup beans or you can have it for breakfast with butter and syrup. Hoecakes go with just about anything and they are only a few ingredients.

    🍴KEY INGREDIENTS

    • Self-rising cornmeal
    • Buttermilk
    • Egg
    • Salt
    • Oil, I use canola oil, olive oil or bacon grease

    SWAPS

    You can use regular milk to make these but they are best and authentic made with buttermilk. You can use whatever oil you prefer, bacon grease or lard.

    🍽️HOW TO MAKE

    Making hoecakes is really simple, and we have been making them for so long, we can make them in just a few minutes.

    COOKING STEPS

    Step 1
    Mix meal, milk, egg and salt together.

    Step 2
    Drop by spoonful into hot oil. Brown on one side, then turn and fry until golden brown on both sides.

    ⭐TIP

    If you can’t find self-rising cornmeal, here is our recipe on how to make your own!

    RECIPE VARIATIONS

    If you have followed our site for any amount of time, then you know we love cornbread. It goes with any dish, and we have many different recipes. Here are a few of our favorites!

    Hoecakes or Fried CornbreadHoecakes or Fried Cornbread

    ❓FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    What is the difference between a hoecake and cornbread?

    A hoecake is basically fried cornbread instead of baked. Hoecakes are fried like a pancake and can be served with syrup or honey or savory with collard greens or soup.

    Are hoecakes and Johnny cakes the same thing?

    Most are regional differences as in where they originated. The johnny cake originated in the Caribbean.

    Are these fluffy like a pancake?

    No, they are flat and crisp and don’t rise.

    STORING AND REHEATING

    We store in an airtight container and heat for a few seconds in the microwave.

    HOW TO EAT HOECAKES?

    We enjoy hoecakes as a side to soup or stew or hearty dish. That is our favorite way to enjoy hoecakes. Some people enjoy them for breakfast with butter and syrup. They are wonderful both ways. Make them for breakfast and then serve what is left over with a a delicious crock pot soup that afternoon!

    SERVING SIZE

    This recipe makes about 10 hoecakes, depending on the size you make them. You can easily double this recipe!

    Southern Cornmeal Hoecakes

    Anne Walkup

    Hoecakes are a southern staple! Only a few ingredients, delicious for breakfast, lunch or dinner. We love them both with a hearty soup or stew. Cornmeal cakes fried in a skillet.

    Prep Time 10 minutes

    Cook Time 15 minutes

    Total Time 25 minutes

    Course bread

    Cuisine American, southern

    • 1 1/2 cups self-rising cornmeal
    • 2/3 cups buttermilk or can use regular milk too
    • 1 egg
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 2/3 cup oil I use canola oil for cooking

    • Mix meal, milk, egg and salt together. Drop by spoonful into hot oil. Brown on one side then turn and fry until golden brown on both sides.

    Keyword cornbread, fried cornbread, hoecakes

    Let us know by commenting below!

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  • HOMEMADE VEGETABLE BEEF SOUP

    HOMEMADE VEGETABLE BEEF SOUP

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    This Vegetable Beef Soup made with stew meat will melt in your mouth! Loaded with all your favorite vegetables, and delicious seasonings, this is the ultimate comfort food. Don’t forget the fried cornbread!

    Vegetable Beef SoupVegetable Beef Soup

    If you love hearty soup recipes, you will also love this delicious Potato Soup! It’s easy to make and also a wonderful comfort food!

    ❤️WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE

    This hearty vegetable beef soup is one of the best comfort foods, especially on a cold day. It’s super versatile, too, as you can add the vegetables you love! Some call it “junk” soup, and others call it “refrigerator” soup. This is because you can use just about any leftover or frozen vegetables you have on hand. 

    🍴KEY INGREDIENTS

    • Stew meat (Could use leftover roast beef, too)
    • Onion
    • Beef broth 
    • Water
    • Carrots
    • Celery
    • Okra
    • Potatoes
    • Whole kernel corn 
    • Petite diced tomatoes
    • Peas, canned or frozen
    • Salt
    • Pepper
    • Chili powder
    • Worcestershire sauce

    SWAPS

    You can swap out any of the vegetables. We have added mushrooms, zucchini, and green beans and left out the okra and peas. This is very versatile! You can also use chicken broth if you don’t have beef broth.

    If you make a roast and have any leftovers, make this soup! Roast is wonderful in this recipe.

    🍽️HOW TO MAKE

    Many people will first brown the meat in a pan, but we don’t always do that. We add all the ingredients to a big pot and let it cook! The meat really soaks up the flavors of the juice this way. However we have seared the meat if we want it to cook faster, it’s really your personal preference.

    COOKING STEPS

    Bring all ingredients to a boil in a large pot on top of the stove.  Decrease the heat to simmer and let cook 1 1/2 hours until meat and potatoes are done. 

    CROCK POT VERSION

    Just cook 7 or 8 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high.

    Vegetable Beef SoupVegetable Beef Soup

    ⭐TIP

    If the meat isn’t tender or falling apart, you need to cook it longer. This soup is even better the next day, so make it in advance and enjoy it for a few days.

    RECIPE VARIATIONS

    If you love this type of soup, you may also love it made with ground beef.

    SERVE THIS WITH

    Fried Cornbread is a must with this recipe but we also love making cornbread muffins. We love cornbread with soup; it is the dipping factor! Dipping the cornbread in the broth is so good.

    ❓FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    Should you brown the meat before you add it to the pot?

    You don’t have to and we have made it both ways and it’s always delicious.

    Does vegetable soup freeze well?

    Yes, it does!

    STORING AND REHEATING

    This soup keeps well for a few days and we always just keep it in an airtight container and reheat the whole pot or a a bowl in the microwave.

    SERVING SIZE

    This recipe makes about 3 quarts of soup, so depending on how big of a serving is, we say it’s about 6-8 servings.

    Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup

    Anne Walkup

    This Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty dish your family will love. Made with stew meat or roast, it’s the ultimate comfort food! You can use any vegetables your family loves and don’t forget the fried cornbraed. Vegetable beef soup is always a winner!

    Prep Time 15 minutes

    Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes

    Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes

    Course Main Course, Soup

    Cuisine American, southern

    • 1 to 1 1/2 lbs stew meat Could use leftover roast beef, too
    • 1 medium to large onion peeled and chopped
    • 2 cups beef broth or 1 can
    • 3 cups water
    • 1 cup carrots chopped
    • 1 cup celery chopped
    • 1 cup okra chopped
    • 4 medium potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
    • 2 cups whole kernel corn or 1 can
    • 2 15 ounce cans petite diced tomatoes
    • 1 cup peas canned or frozen
    • 1 cup zucchini sliced
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

    • In a large pot on top of the stove,  bring all ingredients to a boil.  Decrease heat to simmer and let cook 1 1/2 hours until meat and potatoes are done.

    • You could make this in the crock pot, too.  Just cook 7 or 8 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high.  You don’t have to use the same vegetables I used in this recipe.  Use whatever you have on hand and add the spices you like.

    • Makes 3 quarts depending on amount of vegetables you use.

    If you like, you can brown the meat before adding it to the pot. We have done it both ways and it’s always delicious. 

    Keyword Homemade Vegetable Soup

    Let us know by commenting below!

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    Anne Walkup

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  • 10 of the Greatest Things about Being a Grandparent

    10 of the Greatest Things about Being a Grandparent

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    Many of us have walked with the Lord most of our lives and have decades of faith stories to pass along to our grandchildren. Not only can we share how we came to faith in Christ, but we can also tell them how God answered our prayers, provided for our needs, and rescued us from impossible situations.

    My grands love to hear my husband and me tell how God provided money for us to go to college, gave us a computer when ours died, and sent a trucker to rescue us from the side of the road when our car broke down.

    Children need to hear that faith is real and relevant. Our lives provide the perfect backdrop for contemporary faith stories that connect an abstract God to real people. What a privilege to share our faith with the next generation.

    10. Praying for Our Grandchildren

    One of the greatest privileges and one the greatest responsibilities Christian grandparents have is the honor of praying for future generations. When I was pregnant with my children, we began praying for their health, growth, and safety. We prayed God would save them early in life, keep them pure, and provide godly spouses. Now we pray the same things for our grandchildren.  

    Each morning we ask God to protect them physically, spiritually, and emotionally. We ask Him to call them to Himself at a young age and grow their faith. We ask God to make them mighty men and women of God. As they’ve grow older, they’ve begun to share their own prayer requests with us.

    We pray with them and follow up to see how God answered.

    In Exodus 20:6, God promises to show “love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” As Christian grandparents, we can pray for God to continue the legacy of faith He began in us and extend it for a thousand generations, raising up mighty men and women within our family.

    When my friends went on and on about the joy of grandparenting, I thought to myself, It can’t be that great. Now that I have four grandchildren, I know better. Grandparenting comes with all the privileges I mentioned here and a hundred more. For these, we can thank God, the giver of all good gifts.

    Photo Credit: ©Pexels/Eduardo-Braga

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    Lori Hatcher

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  • Chilly? Make Some Marijuana-Infused Turmeric Hot Cocoa

    Chilly? Make Some Marijuana-Infused Turmeric Hot Cocoa

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    It is cold outside, which means it time to turn to a classic warm drink – cocoa.  Except this modern version has marijuana and turmeric

    When the temperatures drop, people turns to they’re a classic love. A survey of those over 21 or found the nation’s favorite winter drink is a cocoa classic: hot chocolate. It is the top choice of women (35%), men (30%), and adults under the age of 50 (34%).  So why not give it al modern flair – make some marijuana-infused turmeric hot cocoa.

    RELATED: Gunpowder Green Tea Syrup: The Condiment You Didn’t Know You Needed 

    In India’s Ayurvedic medical culture, turmeric powder or juice is given to people with many gripes, particularly for pain and inflammation. Somewhere in the internet, golden milk was touted as an ‘ancient Indian secret’ and though it’s often added to milk in India, this concept seems to be an interpretation rather than an authentic classic. Interpretation being the specialty of any chef looking to stash the power of cannabis, a desire to take hot cocoa to the next level spawned this awesome take on two favorites.

    RELATED: When Alcohol Won’t Do: How To Make A Quick Marijuana Raspberry Shrub

    What you end up with is quite delicious and is the perfect vehicle to get maximum benefit from turmeric. Combining it with hot cocoa is utterly divine, adding the devils lettuce, makes it not only literally intoxicating, it’s ingredients push through both the THC and turmeric’s curcumin faster and better than most consumables. Black pepper and cardamom, both enhance your stone and help the turmeric work its magic, and since everything is fat soluble, it will play nicely together.

    Photo by Darnell Scott

    Cannabis Infused Golden Hot Cocoa

    Recipe by Danielle Guercio

    • 2 T Cocoa
    • 1 T Demerara sugar
    • 1 tsp Turmeric
    • 3-5 Black cardamom pods (OR dip a toothpick in essential oil and then dip in milk)
    • A few cracks of a black pepper grinder
    • A ½ inch nub of fresh ginger
    • ¼ c Half and half (you can use any milk here dairy or not)
    • ½ tsp Cannabis coconut oil or butter*
    • ⅔ c Boiling water
    Photo by Darnell Scott

    In a mug, add cocoa and sugar put aside. If you are using a milk frother, lightly crack spices except turmeric and add to mug with cocoa. Without a milk frother, use a dry saucepan to lightly toast the cardamom and pepper before heating milk, do not boil, do not pour milk over flame.

    Photo by Darnell Scott

    While milk is heating, boil water separately and pour over cocoa, stirring thoroughly. Remove milk from heat and stir in infused oil and turmeric. Let stand for a few seconds, then slowly pour over cocoa.

    Photo by Darnell Scott

    *Cannabis Infused Coconut Oil

    Put ¼ cup coconut oil in a clean mason jar with decarboxylated starting material (20 min at 225 in a sealed container for raw cannabis, 10 for hash and wax). Seal the Mason jar and placed in a warm water bath for 1 hour. Cool the Mason jar to room temperature and place in a freezer overnight. The next day, defrost and place in a water bath once more, just to heat through. Strain if using raw cannabis. If using a concentrate or hash you won’t have to strain the material.

    If you want to get really weird, you can use some boozy rum cream with the milk, and it will be mildly alcoholic, but incredibly tasty. Drink up when you’re feeling under the weather in any way–inflammation doesn’t just mean injuries and sore muscles, it counts for sinuses and PMS too.

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    Danielle Guercio

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  • There Are Two Sides to Family Relationships

    There Are Two Sides to Family Relationships

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    Scene 1: A father expresses his final wishes in his will. Unfortunately, the oldest son, the executor, had little desire to honor it, causing trouble in the family. His thinking? Their father is no longer around to witness any of this. He is in command.

    Scene 2: A mother has been cut off by her married son because she likes to express her opinion on all matters. Her thinking? She is a vocal person and should be allowed to speak her mind. She does not really care about the effects of her opinion.

    How many families have been broken because of upsetting statements and nonsensical arguments? Too many to count, that the Bible even includes how we need to treat each other as a family unit. Writing to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul said, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and your mother (this is the first commandment with a promise), that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (6:1-4). This same passage was also brought to the Colossians by Paul, highlighting the fact that wherever families are, there will be an ongoing battle between parents and children.

    Very often, we only see one side of the coin—and it’s dependent on what role we are playing in the family relationship. If you are the parent, you always think you have the most important role in the family and your children better show you respect. It doesn’t matter what you say or do that may be contrary and divisive. What matters is your authority is encompassing no matter the age of your children.

    If you are the child—an adult one, too—you are also looking for respect. You are all grown, an independent individual—perhaps even with a family of your own—and you need to live your own life without being told how to. You don’t need your parents to interfere with every move you make, nor do you want your dad or your mom throwing in their two cents’ worth.

    Parents’ Responsibility

    Parents do have the explicit responsibility of raising a child from birth to teens. And this is not just about providing the basic physical needs of food, clothing, and shelter. It also includes caring for the emotional and spiritual well-being of the child. God provided parenting as a special stewardship, so it’s most important to honor this role. As parents, we should desire to “train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). The idea of nurturing discipline is for our sons and daughters to listen and be attentive to our instructions (Proverbs 4:1) and to remember our teachings (Proverbs 3:1) not just today, but for always. 

    As parents, we need to understand that child-rearing patterns will also change along with child development. As Scripture says, “For everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:13-14). We need to help our children dig deeper into their faith, allowing them the opportunity to fully understand, embrace, and live out their own personal relationships with Christ; not just mimic our modeled faith.

    Children’s Responsibility

    A child is also instructed to value parental discipline. Several times in Proverbs 4, we read of the result of listening and remembering parents’ instructions: you will “live” (v.4) and “the years of your life may be many” (v.10). These instructions are meant to set up boundaries to prevent a child from going down the wrong path and to avoid evil. How many times have we heard of a child, even at a young middle-school age, start wandering away to walk the wide road of darkness? There are many who have experienced juvenile detention, been put in foster homes, or have died because of disobedience.

    Family relationships are indeed complex. Sometimes they are hard to navigate because of some difficult characters within the family unit. A dominating parent may force his or her opinion on the children without a care about the effect of such. The black sheep or prodigal child may increase the stress level of everyone; sometimes, even causing a physical illness such as a heart attack. Some may claim authenticity with words such as “This is who I am!” or “I don’t care how you feel because this is how I feel!” that even the empathy “welcome mat” is worn out and needs to be thrown away. There may not be any respectful conversation left to have, where everyone is hoping to keep conflict at bay by learning how to behave and focus on healthy communication.

    Navigating Family Relationships God’s Way

    A family with a strong spiritual well-being will have more success because of the desire to have a positive outlook on life, recognizing that the parent-child relationship is also transforming. The parents of these adult children lean on accepting the “letting go and letting God” phase, but parental support is available when needed. In the same way, adult children can fully embark on their independent lives knowing that parental encouragement is, likewise, available.

    Balancing family roles will be easier if we remember to “honor our father and mother” and “do not provoke our children to anger.” We don’t need to be heavy-handed in our discipline nor use intimidation to solicit a certain response or behavior. We know that nothing good will come out of bullying, only resistance and rebellion. In the same way, there is no need to be disrespectful and impatient towards parents, especially as they age. It is good to show appreciation and affection for them, explaining in a positive manner how responsibilities and decision-making for adult children are now an important facet of one’s own life.

    Family relationships are important. As we constantly upgrade and freshen up our homes, we need to make changes in how we handle our relationships, giving each other the chance to change and become the persons God designed us to be. It is best to avoid stress in our relationships and frustrating each other by deliberately saying or doing things that are triggering and annoying. Let’s stay away from insults and degrading comments that hurt all of us.

    It’s time for us to value our families! Let’s set aside family drama and share the love of God with one another instead.

    Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Thomas Barwick

    Luisa Collopy is an author, speaker and a women’s Bible study teacher. She also produces Mula sa Puso (From the Heart) in Tagalog (her heart language), released on FEBC Philippines stations. Luisa loves spending time with her family over meals and karaoke!

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    Luisa Collopy

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  • THREE INGREDIENT EASY PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

    THREE INGREDIENT EASY PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

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    If you like easy recipes, these are for you! These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are so simple and so good! With peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, you will have a wonderful cookie!

    3-ingredient peanut butter cookies3-ingredient peanut butter cookies

    If you love easy cookie recipes, you need to check out this Butterfinger version. Just as easy and so good! You may also want to try these 3-Ingredient Coconut Macaroons. They are so good and go great with these cookies if you are serving them for a group.

    ❤️WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE

    It’s so simple and you can make up the dough in less than a minute and the cookies are delicious. Some “super simple” recipes don’t bring an amazing taste but this recipe does, plus its been around a very long time. My mother used to make these for us 40 years ago, when we were on the farm. Everyone loves them and is always surprised when you tell them they are only 3 ingredients!

    🍴KEY INGREDIENTS

    • Crunchy peanut butter (I use the extra crunchy because I like the nuts but you can use the smooth, too.
    • Egg
    • Sugar

    SWAPS

    If you want some cool swaps and additions, read the comments on this recipe. Some people add vanilla and marshmallows. We have made them with Splenda and they came out delicious!

    🍽️HOW TO MAKE

    These are so simple since they are only 3 ingredients!

    COOKING STEPS

    Step 1
    Mix all ingredients, roll into balls about the size of a walnut and flatten. Can sprinkle with sugar.

    ⭐TIP

    Always preheat your oven when baking cookies and leave 2 inches between each cookie on the sheet. Here are some more cookie baking tips! All ovens vary, don’t over cook them!

    RECIPE VARIATIONS

    I don’t suggest doubling this recipe, I would just make the dough again. It takes nothing to make it up, about a minute, and then you know the consistency is always correct.

    ❓FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    Are these considered gluten free?

    Yes, they are.

    Can these 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies be made with Splenda?

    Yes, you can, and they work very well with Splenda.

    3-ingredient peanut butter cookies3-ingredient peanut butter cookies

    STORING

    We store these cookies in an airtight container, and they will keep for a while!

    Gingersnap Cookies

    These cookies are some of our favorites! We have been making them for years!

    SERVING SIZE

    These make 22-24 cookies, depending on how big you make them.

    3- Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

    Leigh Walkup

    These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies have been around for a very long time. They are absolutely delicious and so easy to make. Save these wonderful peanut butter cookies!

    Prep Time 5 minutes

    Cook Time 10 minutes

    Total Time 15 minutes

    Course Dessert

    Cuisine American

    • 1 cup crunchy peanut butter I use the extra crunchy because I like the nuts but you can use the smooth, too.
    • 1 egg
    • 1 cup sugar

    • Mix all ingredients, roll into balls about the size of a walnut and flatten. Can sprinkle with sugar.

    • Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes.

    I have made these cookies using Splenda and they are just as good.
    I wouldn’t try doubling the recipe, just make the dough again. It takes about a minute to mix up and then you will be sure to have the correct consistency of the 3 ingredients. 

    Keyword Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

    Let us know by commenting below!

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    © The Southern Lady Cooks photos and text – All rights reserved. No copying, posting on other sites, or other uses allowed without written permission of the copyright holder.


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    Leigh Walkup

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  • Why Isn't My Christian Marriage Working?

    Why Isn't My Christian Marriage Working?

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    Sandy and Frank both grew up in divorced families. So both were committed learn how to enjoy a loving marriage.

    The couple spent six weeks in premarital counseling with their pastor before they married.  Equipped with biblical principles for a happy marriage, they were convinced they would be happy.

    During their first year, Sandy and Frank were happy. However, as life’s responsibilities pressed in, their relationship became strained.  

    Over the next few years, life was more about accomplishing tasks, paying bills, and caring for kids. Between piles of laundry and carpools, they found working toward a happy marriage had become a low priority to immediate pressures of life.

    “Angry” wasn’t the word Sandy would have used to describe her feelings toward Frank, but she most certainly had developed a habit of responding to him in a short and irritated tone. Frank knew he was not measuring up to Sandy’s expectations––the harder he tried, the less adequate he felt.

    So, Frank retreated to his place of work where he felt approval and acceptance. Unintentionally, Frank was responding to the stresses in his marriage the way he had observed his own father react––right before his parents divorced. 

    Frank’s concerns grew, but he refused to seek out any guidance. Not wanting people to know they were struggling, Frank put on a happy face on Sundays, but avoided fellowship with others––so they would not see through his facade.

    Sandy on the other hand, was painfully aware of the struggles they were having at home. When she pressed Frank to talk about it, she only triggered his anger and caused a fight. So, Sandy turned her attention onto the children. While she found a sense of accomplishment in parenting, she knew there was a big hole in their marriage, and she had no idea what to do about it.

    Maybe you can relate to this couple’s story. Over the many years my husband and I have walked couples through biblical marriage counseling, this scenario is all too familiar. 

    So what’s the problem? And what help can we offer to couples like this who fill our pews every Sunday at church? What is the answer to the question: Why isn’t my Christian Marriage Working? 

    Let’s unpack this question––shall we?

    What Went Wrong? 

    Remember the wife you meant to be? You know, the one who was going to be such an encouragement and joy to your husband. The one who promised to “love, honor and cherish” the man of your dreams. 

    How are you doing? Are you measuring up to your own expectations––let alone those of your husband’s? Has your husband measured up to be the husband you hoped he would be? Both husband and wife enter into a marriage with expectations. In my book IF MY HUSBAND WOULD CHANGE I’D BE HAPPY & Other Myths Wives Believe I share this insight:

    The Danger of Unrealistic Expectations

    One of the biggest threats to a happy marriage is when one or both parties have unrealistic expectations of each other. When those expectations are not realized, you might feel betrayed. 

    When my expectations of my husband were not being met, I remember feeling betrayed because he had promised to always make me happy. How self-absorbed I was back then. 

    God used my disillusionment to show me my selfish heart. Have you ever had expectations come crashing down around you when reality sets in? How did that experience make you feel?  Let’s talk for a moment about how disappointment turns to disillusionment.

    You might feel betrayed when you come to realize the man you married is not the man you had perceived him to be. If you have been married for any amount of time, I am sure that by now you have your own secret list of things you wish you could change about your husband.

    Have you considered your husband may have his own secret list of disappointments about you as well? Rather than dwelling on what you wish your husband would change, what if instead you work to be the woman your husband had hoped you would be––the wife you meant to be––on the day you said, “I do.”

    In more 30 years of ministry, Steve and I have listened to countless couples reveal how disappointed they were in the person whom they married. Whenever a wife can convince her husband to come in for marriage counseling, she often secretly says to herself, “Oh good. Now my husband is going to find out all the ways he needs to change to be a better husband––so that I can be happy.”

    Can I let you in on a little secret? Looking to your husband to make you happy is an unfair expectation. 

    No matter how “perfect” he is, he will never bring you true joy. Because the purpose for which you exist is not to find happiness in your marriage relationship––contrary to every fairytale you ever heard as a little girl.

    You were created to delight in your Creator. God made you to long for intimacy with Him—to delight in Him. So any other relationship that you pursue to fill the void only God can fill will always come up short. In the same way, you can never be your husband’s source of true joy.

    What Can You Do?

    Across the country, I have had countless conversations with women at my speaking engagements. Over and over, I hear stories of the resentment women have toward their husbands. While the husband’s may not be the godly, kind person God is calling him to be, the answer is not in changing their husband.

    What’s the Answer?

    You might be surprised to learn that the secret to a happy marriage isn’t related to how “ideal” your spouse is. Rather, it is grounded in a love that is deeper than your love for each other. 

    A marriage flourishes when both husband and wife love Christ more than any other person in life––including one’s own spouse.

    In Mark 12:30, Jesus declared that the priority of life is to love God with all of your being—all of it. 

    It All Comes Down to This:

    The key to having an all-out love for your husband and experiencing fulfillment in your marriage does not lie in how well your husband measures up to your expectations, but in how well you love God.*

    It is humanly impossible to love selflessly because we are all born with a sin nature that seeks our own good above anyone else’s. The only people who are able to love the way Jesus intended are those who know Christ, and are pursuing a deeper love for the Lord. Because God provides His supernatural love to those who love Him, He offers hope for true love. 

    God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:5

    Where Do I Find Help? 

    Titus 2 calls the older women to teach the younger how to love their husbands so find godly mentors. And read my new book: IF MY HUSBAND WOULD CHANGE I’D BE HAPPY for help.

    Listen to Rhonda’s short message: Too Busy to Build a No Regrets Marriage

    *Excerpt: If My Husband Would Change I’d be Happy and Other Myths Wives Believe

    Rhonda Stoppe is a pastor’s wife, speaker, and author. As the NO REGRETS WOMAN, Rhonda has more than 20 years experience of helping women live life with no regrets. Through humor, and honest communication, she helps women build NO REGRETS LIVES by applying sound teaching from Scripture. Rhonda appears on radio programs, speaks at women’s events, MOPs, and homeschool conventions throughout the nation. Rhonda Stoppe’s book Moms Raising Sons to be Men is mentoring thousands of moms to guide sons toward a no-regrets life. Her new book If My Husband Would Change, I’d Be Happy: And Other Myths Wives Believe is helping countless women build no-regrets marriages. 

    Publication date: July 25, 2016

    Photo credit: ©Getty Images/People Images

    LISTEN: Overcoming Fear in Marriage

    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Salem Web Network and Salem Media Group.

    WATCH: Signs You Married for the Wrong Reasons

    Click here to read the full article.

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    Rhonda Stoppe

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