MrsDrPoe: Chicken Enchiladas

Welcome to What's for Dinner Wednesday!  Tonight I'd like to share an experiment from Mr. Poe's favorite food genre - chicken enchiladas.

Ingredients: 8 flour tortillas, 8 oz chicken breast (cooked and shredded), 1 cup cooked rice, 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1 can Rotel, 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 cups milk (not pictured), 8 oz of shredded cheddar cheese (divided).

Combine chicken, rice, soup, Rotel, sour cream, and 1/3 of the cheese in a medium bowl:

Place a liberal amount of the mixture on a tortilla, fold, and continue until all the tortillas are stuffed.  Arrange the filled and folded enchiladas in a single layer in a casserole dish. In a small saucepan, warm the milk over med heat.  Add cheese and stir frequently until the cheese melts; pour the finished cheese sauce over the enchiladas:

Bake at 350 until filling is hot, cheese sauce is bubbly, and the tops of the enchiladas are slightly browned (about 10-20 minutes depending on the starting temperature of filling ingredients).  Enjoy!

MrsDrPoe: The Barclays

Good morning to all!  For the next edition of Poes' Pals, I'd like you to meet another couple here in Atlanta, the Barclays:

While we're all members of the same body of Christ, Mr. Poe and I have really gotten to know the Barclays through a Tuesday night home Bible study this school year.  Mr. Barclay is a recent psychology graduate of Georgia State and is currently in the process of grad school shopping.  Mrs. Barclay is almost finished with a degree in early childhood and special education (also at GA State).

The Barclays make such a great couple!  They share a deep love for the Lord and for children; they both are diligent and hard working and have fantastic taste in both clothes and music.  Their annual Christmas Mix CDs are a wonderful example of the latter (that may not mean much coming from me, but the fact that Mr. Poe requested I bring them on our Christmas travels should say something).

Mr. Poe and I have really enjoyed our time with the Barclays, and, though we'll miss them if they move away after they wed, we hope they will have many more happy years together serving the Lord wherever life takes them! 

MrsDrPoe: Deals, 2/26

It's another Money Monday on the blog!  After moving the remainder of our stuff from the apartment to the house, I'm certainly thankful that there are more free pain patches this week!

CVS
ThermaCare Lower Back and Hip, 1ct. ($3.79) - get back $3.79 in ECBs
Colgate Sensitive ($4.99) - get back $4 in ECBs, $0.75/1 SS 2/12, 2/26
Select Easter Candy - get back $3 in ECBs WYB $10

Wags
Belvita Breakfast Biscuits, 8 ct. ($2.99) - get back $1.99 in RR, $1/1 SS 2/26
Baby Magic Dustless Baby Powder, 0.28 oz ($6.00) - get back $6 w/ MIR
 

MrsDrPoe: Our Second Apartment

Happy Foto Friday to all!  Our eighth week of work on the house was a bit of a slow one since we took advantage of some President's Day sales and purchased furniture (I'll show you when it comes in).  So today mostly for the sake of memories, I'd like to share with you some pictures from our second apartment*:

The Pantry/Laundry Room:

The Kitchen and Dining Areas:

The Living Room:

The Master Bed and Bath:

The Guest Bed:

The Guest Bath: 

We have really enjoyed living here and would definitely recommend the facilities and staff to anyone looking to rent in the Newnan, GA area.

*Please ignore the mess; we're still very much packing...and one day when I'm feeling even more sentimental, I'll share pictures of our first apartment.

MrsDrPoe: The Rich Young Ruler, Part I

Welcome to Theology Thursday here on the blog!  As always, I invite you to open your Bibles with me as we look at a portion of God's Word.  For the next two weeks, we'll be looking at the story of the "rich young ruler" (Luke 18:18-30).

Many of us are familiar with this story (v 18-23); a young man comes to Jesus asking, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"  Jesus answers with, "keeping the commands: 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not bear false witness,' 'Honor your father and your mother.'"  To which the ruler answers that he has done all of these things "from [his] youth."  

Then comes the challenge.  Jesus says, "You still lack one thing.  Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."  The ruler goes away sad because he had many riches.  In verses 24 and 25 of the passage, Jesus tells us just how hard it is for people with riches to enter the kingdom of heaven- it's more difficult than fitting a camel through the eye of a sewing needle.

When we study this passage as Americans, we often look at it with relief, saying to ourselves, "I'm glad Jesus didn't ask me to sell everything I have!"  While it's true that the 'point' of Christianity isn't necessarily that Christians live in poverty, it's also true that we are to put our faith and trust in GOD and we are to purge our lives of anything that hindering us from fully serving Him.  In effect, Jesus has commanded the same of us if our riches are keeping us from the kingdom.

So how do we know if our riches are our personal stumbling block?  For starters, if you're extremely relieved thinking that the command to sell everything doesn't apply to you, your riches are probably a problem.  Ask yourself how you would feel if all your money and things were stolen, if all was lost, or if you gave all away.  Be honest with yourself- do you trust your savings account to help you through a rainy day or God?

MrsDrPoe: Holiday Dip

What's for Dinner this Wednesday is actually one of my favorite appetizers for Christmas parties (although Mrs. Grantham and I think it's great any time of the year).  This holiday dip was developed by the staff at 'my' Williams Sonoma to sample the holiday pecan pumpkin butter and apple-orange cranberry relish.

Ingredients: 4 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/2 - 3/4 cup pecan pumpkin butter, apple-orange cranberry relish, or other fruity spread, 1/4 cup chopped pecans, 1/4 cup bacon bits, 1/4 cup chopped green onions.

Spread the cream cheese evenly on a serving plate.  Cover the cream cheese with the fruit spread, and sprinkle the nuts, onions, and bacon over the top.  Serve with crackers, pretzels, etc.

MrsDrPoe: Life in the Son

For my next reading review, I present to you "Life in the Son" by Robert Shank.


This book discusses the Biblical viewpoint on the Calvinist doctrine of perseverance of the saints (i.e. "once saved, always saved"). Shank is a former preacher who essentially studied himself out of the belief he once held in this doctrine. The introduction is written by another preacher, who, though he still teaches the doctrine of perseverance, states that this book "will stand against any attempt to refute [it] from the Scriptures, and that the passing of time can only prove [it] to be finally definitive on the long-debated theological questions of...perseverance."

In "Life in the Son," Shank examines an extensive list of 'proof' texts for the doctrine of perseverance in their full context both in local passages and in the Bible as a whole. His knowledge of the ancient Greek is monumentally helpful in clarifying the nature of certain passages. Unlike many other books of its kind, this one is very much based on "the scriptures say" instead of "I believe."

To me, one of the most interesting passages investigated is that of the parable of the sower, particularly the wording of the explanation of the second and third types of soils. I learned a lot from this book; it definitely invokes thought, and I see many more readings of it in my future.

The only negative comment that I have is that this book is not the easiest to read. It's a bit older and some of the phrasing is 'out of date.' Having said that, I would definitely recommend that anyone interested in examination of this doctrine should buy this book, both to read (at least once) and keep as a reference. And, as always, I encourage you to read with an open Bible, carefully examining the passages referred to in this work; no book should ever replace the word of God.

MrsDrPoe: Deals, 2/19

It's another (slow) Money Monday here on the blog; although, there are a couple of money makers out there this week:

CVS

Coldcalm, 60 ct. ($6.99) - get $6.99 back in ECBs, use $1/1 printable
Tylenol Precise Pain Patch, 3 ct. ($7.49) - get back $2 in ECBs, use $5/1 SS 2/19

Wags

Just for Men Autostop Hair Color ($6.99) - get back $3 in RR, $6.99 MIR
Dial Soap, 8 ct. ($4) - get $2 back in RR WYB 2
Hot Pockets, 2 ct. - $1.50 w/ in-ad Q 

MrsDrPoe: House Progress, Week 7

Another week has ended, and another Foto Friday has arrived!  I am please to announce that today I will both 1) continue with some helpful painting tips and 2) show you some finished house pictures (but not in that order)!

Here's what we've accomplished this week:

Kitchen: over 50% of the hardwoods are installed
Stairwell: second coat of paint was applied (two coats on the spots I couldn't reach)
Master Bathroom: remaining wall-paper removed, two coats of paint applied
Carpet: put down in all bedrooms, closets, upstairs hallway, and staircase

And the finished rooms: 

The "Guest Room" (formerly the "Boat Room"...11th in the before post)
-no boats
-newly painted room and closet
-newly carpeted
-no brass fan

The "Baby* Room" (formerly the "Front Room"...12th in the before post)
-newly painted room, closet, and trim
-newly carpeted
-no brass fan

The "Office" (formerly the "Blue Room"...10th in the before post)
-newly painted room, closet, and trim
-newly carpeted
-no brass fan

The Master Bedroom (9th in the before post)
-newly painted room, closets
-newly carpeted
-no brass fan

The Master Bathroom (8th in the before post)
-no lattice garden wallpaper
-newly painted
-no brass light fixtures or hardware
 

  
Hopefully we'll have some pictures of finished downstairs rooms to show you soon!  And, as promised, here is the second installment of Painting 101:

Painting 101: Measure Once, Cut Twice

Ok...so you don't really have to measure or cut to paint, but the principal still applies.  To make the most of your painting experience, you'll need to put in the prep work:

Remove Wallpaper - while it can be painted over, it will never come off if it has been.  Save yourself any future issues and get a nice, even finish by removing it before painting.

Spackling - unless you're reusing the holes in your wall, make sure you fill them in (but be sure to remove any wall anchors first).

Sanding - if your wall was previously painted, simply sanding over the Spackle spots will ensure a smooth finish.  If you've had to remove wallpaper, you'll want to sand the whole wall to help get off and/or smooth over any sticky backing.  Be careful in an older house, however, as sanding can release lead and asbestos into the air.

Washing - painting over dirt/dust/etc. can cause your paint to peal later.  Save the trouble by wiping down your walls with a wet rag, using solvent if necessary.


*Mr. Poe and I are not pregnant, but Lord willing, we will be one day.  Thus the "Baby Room" is currently as empty as the "Guest Room," but we're calling it that because the twin bed that my Grandpapa Wolgemuth built my dad that was passed to me and will be passed to my children will go in this room.

MrsDrPoe: "You Will Obtain Your Goal If You Maintain Your Course"

It's another Theology Thursday here on the blog!  As always, I invite you to open up your Bibles with me as we look at a portion of God's Word.

The title for today's post came from an old fortune from a cookie that I noticed on my jewelry box window this morning..."you will obtain your goal if you maintain your course."  When I read it, I started thinking about goals and courses.

Spiritually speaking, there are only two "goals" or end-points in life: heaven or hell; although, very few people would admit that their goal in life is to go to hell.  So if there are only two "goals" that are by nature mutually exclusive (i.e. you can't go to both), then the course each of us is currently on must lead to one or the other.  This reminded me of Galatians 5:16-26, which contrasts the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit.

The works of the flesh (the course that leads to hell):

adultery

fornication

uncleanness

lewdness

idolatry

sorcery

hatred

contentions

jealousies

outbursts of wrath

selfish ambitions

dissensions

heresies

envy

murders

drunkenness

revelries

The fruit of the Spirit (the course that leads to heaven):

love

joy

peace

long-suffering

kindness

goodness

faithfulness

gentleness

self-control

After all these thoughts this morning, I asked myself a question that we all need to ask ourselves...regardless of what we say our goal is, what is the course that we are on?  Are we following the works of the flesh or growing in the fruit of the Spirit?  As the fortune cookie said, our course will take us to our true goal.

MrsDrPoe: Veggie Pizza

What's for Dinner this Wednesday?  How about some veggie pizza?  While Mr. Poe would politely pass on this dish, I love it, as well as its many variations.

Ingredients (per person): 1 pita pocket, 2 tablespoons olive oil*, 1/4 cup shredded cheese, 2 cups chopped veggies*.

Heat the oil in a skillet over med heat.  Add the veggies and saute till tender (about 10 minutes):

Top the pita with the cooked veggies, sprinkle with cheese, and bake on a cookie sheet at 350 until the cheese is melted and the pita is slightly toasted (about 5 minutes).  Serve and enjoy!

Variations: spread pita with tomato sauce or creamy goat cheese before adding veggies.  Mozzarella cheese on top give this dish a more "pizza-y" feel.

*Here I used what I had on hand- lemon-herbed olive oil, squash and zucchini.  Typically I use regular olive oil, as well as mushrooms, onions, bell pepper, tomatoes, and asparagus in addition to squash and zucchini.

MrsDrPoe: Our Pals At Lowes

Welcome to another edition of Poes' Pals here on the blog!  This post is a bit different than normal, but I hope that you'll enjoy and find it helpful (particularly those of you in the metro Atlanta area).  Please meet our friends at Lowe's: 

As you probably know if you're a frequent reader, Mr. Poe and I have recently purchased our first house.  A foreclosure in need of some cosmetic work, we've been painting, de-wallpapering, and flooring for the past several weekends.  With all the painting over the upstairs carpeted areas coming to a close, we decided that the time had come to order new carpet.


While we had looked at several stores in the area, we decided that Lowe's had the best deal* on what we wanted.  While the management and staff at every store we visited seemed extremely knowledgeable about their products, the folks at Lowe's went above and beyond to ensure that we were satisfied customers.

If you visit this location for flooring, be sure to visit Mr. D. Rosser.  He helped us through the whole carpeting process, calling the factory to give us a better estimate on when the materials would be delivered to the installers, setting us up with some fantastic installation guys, and even taking the time to patiently and cheerfully re-entering all of the order/dimensioning information into their system after I made a mistake and canceled the order the first time.

We'd also recommend the staff we've dealt with in the paint department, the management, and various other folks that have answered our miscellaneous questions throughout the store.  


Note: We have not been paid or provided any free/discounted service/materials for this post.

*Throughout the month of February, Lowe's is offering a promotion where you pay $0.01 to have them come out and measure the areas you want carpeted with no commitment from you to purchase flooring from them.  They also are currently offering basic whole-house carpet installation for $97.99.

MrsDrPoe: Deals, 2/12

It's a slow Money Monday here on the blog!  There are a couple of freebies and some cheap Vday candy out there if you're interested:

CVS
Colgate Total Toothpaste ($2.75) - get $2 back in ECBs, $0.75/1 SS 2/12

Wags
LypSyl Extreme Cold Sore Relief ($5) - get back $5 in RR
Russell Stover Valentine Chocolate Hearts ($0.39)

MrsDrPoe: House Progress, Week 6

Welcome to the Mr. Poe-Birthday-Edition of Foto Friday!  Sadly, we're celebrating with more housework.  This was our sixth week of work; although, it feels like we've been dealing with these projects for much longer (I guess that's what happens when you only have free time on the weekends).  Here's what we've accomplished this week:

Living and Sun Rooms: continued laying hardwood (only the to-be-ripped rows left!)
Stairwell: one coat of paint (except in places I can't reach)
Upstairs Hallway: second coat of paint
Master Bathroom: continued to remove wallpaper and paint
S End Table and Wood Shelf: one and two coats of paint, respectively
Upstairs Carpet: areas measured; new carpet and pad purchased


If you're frustrated that I don't have any "finished" pictures to show you yet, just know that I am too!  To add to the frustration, I'm also interrupting our three part painting series to talk about...

Removing Wallpaper

I hate wallpaper.  I honestly cannot understand how anyone who has ever painstakingly removed it can put it up again, but there are several folks near and dear to me who have.  I mean look at this: 

Ugh...hours of work, and it's still there.  Here are some techniques we've found useful in our wallpapering endeavors...

Water is your friend - spray the paper, spray it again, and then spray it some more.  Water helps the glue release from the wall easier, even though it's not the 'cure-all.'

A straight edge is essential - the first week I removed any paper, I was scratching at it with my fingernails to get a good "pulling edge" up; this wore my nails down to the skin. (Ouch!)  Make sure you have a straight edge to help you get the paper up: a used gift card, a spackling trowel, a spatula, anything.

Two is sometimes faster than one - when I first started removing wallpaper, I thought I was failing if I couldn't remove the decorative layer and the sticky layer of the paper at the same time.  But the longer I worked at it, I found that it took much less time to rip off the layers however they would come off (sometimes together, sometimes not) than it did to finagle the paper to try and get everything off at once.


Patience is a virtue - last week I shared with you that I've been praying for practice with patience...wallpaper-pulling definitely fits the bill.  It will take you much longer to de-wallpaper a room than you would have ever thought possible.  But "slow and steady wins the race" (and leaves you with fewer gashes in the dry wall)...sing along with a good comfort hymns if you get too worked up.

MrsDrPoe: Bible 101 Series

It's another Theology Thursday here on the blog!  As always, I invite you to open up your Bibles with me as we look at a small portion of God's Word.

As the book of Hebrews emphasizes, Christians are under a new covenant, superior to that associated with the Law of Moses.  Often since we are under this new covenant, we spend most of our time in Bible study in the New Testament or simply the gospels.  It is crucial to our spiritual walks that we read and understand the commands we should follow as partners in this new covenant; however, the Old Testament also offers us important information about God, His character, and His promises.  

If we examine the Old Testament, we can see that God had a plan from the very beginning...and that plan was Christ.  Jesus Himself said in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:17-18, "'Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.'"  But when we do realize the benefit from examining the Old Testament, we tend to get bogged down in all the details- the names, places, nations, and battles-  and "miss the forest for the trees" so to speak.

Last week, we started a Sunday morning series of lessons called "Bible 101."  Essentially these four lessons (each Sunday morning at 9:55 am EST in February) will focus on the "big picture" of the Old Testament and how the major events in this part of the Bible point to Christ and the need for His perfect sacrifice for us.  I invite you all to join us for the remainder of the series.  If you're in the metro Atlanta area, feel free to stop by; if you're not, you can listen live online here.  I hope you can join us!  


Note: If you're reading this post after Feb 2012, this series of lessons can be found here.