Sunday Chat: Charlie Kirk Our Call to Be Brave for the Gospel

Mark 16:15  

“Go into all the world 

and preach the gospel to all creation.” 

Romans 10:14-15  

“How can they hear without someone preaching to them? 

‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” 

Matthew 5:16  

“Let your light shine before others, 

that they may see your good deeds 

and glorify your Father in heaven.” 

2 Timothy 1:7

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, 

but of power and of love and of a sound mind". 

Romans 1:16 

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, 

because it is the power of God that brings 

salvation to everyone who believes…”  

Ephesians 6:19 

“Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, 

words may be given me so that I will fearlessly 

make known the mystery of the gospel.”  

1 Thessalonians 1:6 

“You became imitators of us and of the Lord, 

for you welcomed the message in the midst 

of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.”   

Joshua 1:9 

“Be strong and courageous. 

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, 

for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” 

Psalm 46:1 

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” 

Philippians 4:13 

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” 

Isaiah 41:10

"So do not fear, for I am with you; 

do not be dismayed, for I am your God. 

I will strengthen you and help you; 

Deuteronomy 31:6

"Be strong and courageous. 

Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, 

for the LORD your God goes with you; 

he will never leave you nor forsake you"

Ephesians 6:10 

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”

1 John 4:4 

You have already won a victory over those people, 

because the Spirit who lives in you is 

greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 

Ephesians 6:12 

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against… 

the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” 

2 Corinthians 10:34 

“For though we live in the world, 

we do not wage war as the world does. 

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.” 

Matthew 24:13

“But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” 

Hebrews 12:12 

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” 

James 1:12 

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial… 

that person will receive the crown of life 

that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” 

Acts 20:24 

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; 

my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task 

the Lord Jesus has given me

the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”

2 Corinthians 4:89

“We are hard pressed on every side, 

but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 

persecuted, but not abandoned; 

struck down, but not destroyed." 

1 Timothy 6:12 

“Fight the good fight of the faith. 

Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.” 

2 Timothy 4:78 

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, 

I have kept the faith. 

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness…” 

Elle's Cheesy Chicken, Rice & Broccoli Casserole

 The Ultimate Comfort Dish

If you’re craving warm, cheesy comfort food, this Cheesy Chicken, Rice & Broccoli Casserole will be your new go-to. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table happy. The tender chicken, creamy sauce, sharp cheddar cheese, and buttery Ritz cracker topping come together in one perfect bite. It’s family-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and tastes just as good the next day or microwave it out of the freezer for some fast hearty leftovers.

This will be the dish I turn to when the weather cools down or I just want something that feels like home.

Elle's Cheesy, Chicken, Rice & Broccoli Casserole

Ingredients

butter
1 small onion chopped
1 ½ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast, seasoned with poultry seasoning, s&p
3 cloves garlic minced
 
1 cup uncooked long grain white rice, I precook this in the instant pot
 
4 cups broccoli florets cut in bite size pieces, I use frozen
 
4 tablespoons all purpose flour
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon Montreal chicken seasoning or poultry seasoning
½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
 
1 ¼ cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 sleeve Ritz crackers crushed 32 crackers

Steps

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the onions and move the onions to one side of the skillet.
Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned, flipping halfway through to brown both sides. Work in batches with the chicken, removing the cooked pieces to a plate and stirring the onions on the other side of the skillet.
Once all the chicken has been cooked and removed, add the garlic to the onions and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Plate the onions and garlic.
Chop the chicken
Microwave broccoli for 2 minutes
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray 9×13 inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously while cooking for 2-3 minutes. Add spices. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk. Continue whisking and cooking until smooth and slightly thickened.
Combine onions, 1/2 C cheese, chicken, rice & broccoli and pour sauce overtop. Stir to coat.
Spoon the chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
Combine the crackers and 4 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle it over the casserole and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is browned and the cheese is melted.

Elle's Chicken Tendies

 If you want a chicken recipe that’s fast, flexible, and unbelievably crunchy, this one’s for you. These chicken tenders come together in less than 10 minutes, but you’d never guess it by the golden, crispy coating.

The secret? Crushed pork rinds. They give the chicken a savory, airy crunch that panko bread crumbs just can’t quite match. (That said, if you prefer panko or that’s what you have on hand, they’ll still work beautifully—just expect a softer bite.)

Another trick for keeping these tenders juicy is mayonnaise. It might sound surprising, but mayo locks in moisture and helps the coating stick.

A quick note: chicken tenderloins really do make the best version. You can substitute sliced chicken breasts, but they won’t be quite as tender.

The best part is how adaptable this recipe is—switch the seasonings to fit your mood, swap the coating, or serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. However you make them, you’ll be amazed at the crunch.

Elle's Chicken Tendies

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenderloins, taken out tendon
egg, beaten (or mayonnaise if you prefer or you can combine both)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
seasonings (paprika, garlic, chicken seasoning or italian seasoning are all good options)
2 1/4 cups pork rind crumbs (better than panko as they have even texture)
parsley for garnish, optional

Steps

Coat chicken in egg or mayonnaise
Dip coated chicken in seasoned pork rind crumbs
Put in air fryer and cook at 400F till done (usually about 8 to 12 minutes depending on thickness of the chicken
Test with thermometer
Sprinkle with parsley for garnish

Chili Lime Chicken – The Easiest, Tastiest Crockpot Meal!

If you’re looking for a meal that takes almost no effort but delivers big on flavor, you’re going to love this Chili Lime Chicken. It’s one of those magical “set it and forget it” recipes that makes your whole house smell amazing while you get on with your day.

This chicken comes out tender, juicy, and bursting with tangy lime and a gentle chili kick. It’s so versatile too—you can use it in tacos, over rice, or even as a topping for a fresh salad. Around here, we each have our favorites: Mark piles his into crunchy hard tacos, while I love mine served over warm cooked cabbage for a lighter, low-carb option. No matter how you enjoy it, I promise this one will quickly become a regular at your table.

Serve it alongside Mexican Rice and a basket of warm tortillas, and you’ve got yourself a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal.

Why You’ll Love It:

• It takes just a few minutes of prep.

• The crockpot does all the work.

• It’s full of bold, fresh flavors.

• Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (3 to 4 large chicken breasts)
1/2 of a small sweet onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced or grated
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 canned chipotle chiles in adobo, chopped (not the whole can, just the 2 chiles - freeze the rest)
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt + more to taste
1/3 cup salsa + more for serving
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
juice of 1-2 limes
1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
Soft Tortillas or hard tacos, warmed
shredded cheese + guacamole for serving

Steps

In the bowl of your crockpot, combine the chicken, onion, garlic, brown sugar, chipotle chile peppers, paprika, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, salt, salsa and diced green chiles. Add 1/2 cup water, cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 4-6 hours. Once the chicken is done cooking, shred with two forks and then stir in the lime juice and cilantro.
Serve the chicken in warmed hard tacos, soft tortillas or over cooked cabbage.

Elle’s Easy Crochet Washcloth 🧶

Sometimes you just need a simple, soothing project for those moments when your hands want to stay busy but your mind wants to relax—like while watching TV. This little washcloth is my go-to. It’s mindless enough to crochet without counting stitches too carefully, and the finished cloth has the perfect texture for everyday use.

I prefer to make mine smaller—it’s just the right size for drying my face—but you can easily make yours larger if you like.

For yarn, I love Sugar & Cream Cotton for a durable facecloth. If you’re making a baby cloth, choose something softer and more gentle on skin. Either way, the textured stitch makes a lovely variegated look. Hook doesn't matter but I usually grab something like an H.

Chain 24 sts, turn

SC in 3rd stitch from hook (ch1, skip next ch, sc in next ch) across until you work in last stitch. Turn. Repeat until desired length

Sunday Chat: The World Says “Trust Yourself”… The Bible Says Something Different

“Be alert and of sober mind. 

Your enemy the devil prowls around 

like a roaring lion looking for 

someone to devour. 

Resist him, standing firm in the faith…” 

1 Peter 5:89

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and 

in his mighty power. 

Put on the full armor of God, 

so that you can take your stand 

against the devil’s schemes. 

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, 

but against the rulers, against the authorities, 

against the powers of this dark world and 

against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” 

Ephesians 6:10-12 

“Each person is tempted when they are 

dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 

Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin…” 

James 1:14-15 

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, 

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. 

Then you will be able to test and approve 

what God’s will is--his good, 

pleasing and perfect will.” 

Romans 12:2 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart 

and lean not on your own understanding; 

in all your ways submit to him, 

and he will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 

“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. 

Who can understand it?” 

Jeremiah 17:9 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, 

neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. 

As the heavens are higher than the earth, 

so are my ways higher than your ways 

and my thoughts than your thoughts.” 

Isaiah 55:89 

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, 

who gives generously to all without finding fault, 

and it will be given to you.” 

James 1:5

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, 

and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 

For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit…” 

Galatians 5:16-17

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” 

Psalm 119:105 

“Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. 

Guide me in your truth and teach me, 

for you are God my Savior, 

and my hope is in you all day long.” 

Psalm 25:4-5 

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; 

I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. 

Do not be like the horse or the mule, 

which have no understanding…” 

Psalm 32:8-9

“If my people would only listen to me, 

if Israel would only follow my ways…” 

Psalm 81:13 

“Today, if you would hear his voice,

do not harden your hearts…” 

Psalm 95:7-8

“Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, 

that I may follow it to the end. 

Give me understanding, 

so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart.” 

Psalm 119:33-34  

Elle's Stovetop Mexican Chicken

This chicken dish is as easy as it gets, yet it never fails to impress. Just toss the spices together, pour them over the chicken, let it cook, add a little broth, and shred—it’s that simple. The result is tender, flavorful chicken that’s incredibly versatile. Serve it tucked into warm tortillas, scattered over a fresh salad, or as a star player in a Mexican Buddha Bowl. I often leave it simmering on the stove, and it practically serves itself while everyone happily digs in.

Elle's Stovetop Mexican Chicken

Ingredients

2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup chicken broth


Steps
Combine all of the dry ingredients to make the seasoning
Coat the chicken on both sides with the seasoning
Drizzle the olive oil and heat in a large skillet over medium heat
Add the chicken and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Pour in the chicken stock. Cover the skillet and let the chicken cook in the broth for about 15-20 minutes, until the chicken registers 165 degrees internally and is cooked through
In the skillet, shred using a fork. Stir to mix the chicken with the sauce in the skillet. Let sit and keep warm on low heat for about 3-5 minutes, to get good flavor throughout the chicken

Mexican Buddha Bowls

Have you heard of “Build Your Own Buddha Bowls”? This is the Mexican-inspired twist, and trust me—it’s a crowd-pleaser. The beauty of this setup is in the freedom: line up all the fresh, colorful ingredients, and let everyone build their perfect plate. Some will pile them high into a crunchy hard taco, others will go for a soft tortilla wrap, and the salad lovers can toss everything together into a vibrant bowl. However they choose, it’s always flavorful, always fun, and—if my table is any indication—always worthy of seconds.

Mexican Buddha Bowls

Ingredients

Shredded Chicken - I use this recipe for Mexican Chicken
 
Lettuce (for tacos or salad)
Tacos (soft and/or hard)
Mexican Rice - I use this recipe for Mexican Rice
Avocado
Onions
Corn
Black Beans
Cilantro
Chopped tomatoes
Cheese
Taco Sauce

Steps

Have everything on plates or bowls, smorgasboard style
Have people build their own buddha bowls!

Pro tip: serve everything in containers that have lids and it makes putting away the leftovers so easy

Elle's Mexican Rice

Rice might seem simple, but with just a few pantry staples it can turn into something downright irresistible. This Mexican rice is fluffy, flavorful, and the perfect side to round out any meal. You can make it on the stovetop, but I love using the Instant Pot—it’s completely hands-off and comes out perfect every time. Whenever I serve it, the compliments start rolling in! It pairs beautifully with Elle’s Chicken and makes a delicious base for Mexican Buddha Bowls.

Elle's Mexican Rice

Ingredients

oil
2 C chicken broth
1 C pace or salsa
2 to 3 garlic minced
1/4 C onion
1 1/2 C long grain white rice

Steps

On saute in instant pot, heat oil over medium.
Add onion to soften.
Add rice stirring.
Add garlic, broth & salsa and bring to a boil
Turn off heat and put on rice setting and cook.
Put in a serving dish and top with green onions

DIY Dishwasher Tablets: Easy, Safe, and Sparkling Clean!

Tired of chemical residues on your dishes? I was too—so I made my own dishwasher tablets, and wow, the results blew me away!

Tired of chemical residues on your dishes? I was too—so I made my own dishwasher tablets, and wow, the results blew me away!

These tablets are quick, easy (just four ingredients!), and fun to make—the fizz from the lemon juice is oddly satisfying. And they CLEAN. Even better than my store-bought detergent! My silverware sparkled, glasses were streak-free, and my plates finally felt truly clean.

No more mystery film. No more powders spilling everywhere. Just safe, effective, and convenient tablets that I’ll keep making forever.

Pro tip: Double the recipe if your household goes through a lot—they store beautifully and work like a charm!

1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup kosher/coarse salt
1/3 cup lemon juice
Pack into trays-1 tbsp per hole (I tamped each with a square garlic press that fit 
perfectly into the ice cube trays)
Place in airtight jar after drying
Use 1 tablet per dishwasher load 
Add vinegar to rinse aid