Linda @ Linda’s Lunacy

In the Kitchen with Linda

October 7, 2019 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

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I hadn’t done any freezer cooking in a long time. I decided I was tired of cooking every night. lol So the last couple of weeks, I did 3 freezer cooking sessions, chicken, beef, & pork. I split it up into sessions instead of doing all in one day. Too tiring. lol And this way, I can buy whats on sale each week, do a session, and keep my freezer meals stocked. Here’s what I did….

For the beef session, I made taco meat, Cincinnati style chili, meatloaf, and just plain cooked hamburger to use for pasta. Everything is already cooked, and ready to thaw & heat. Sometimes, I freeze the meatloaf raw, but cooked it this time. I used 3 pounds of hamburger and 2 pounds of ground venison from the freezer. I had to defrost the venison, so had to cook it before refreezing.

For the pork session, I used recipes from My FreezEasy. I made Mediterranean Pork Chops, Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops, 2 – Skillet Ranch Porch Chops, and a slow cooker Maple Pork Roast. We’ve eaten some of these. I still have the pan of Garlic Parm pork chops, and a ranch pork chop in the freezer. I also have 3 meals worth of kielbasa in the freezer waiting for some of our favorite meals. On the menu this week I will be serving it with peppers & onions, and we have some in a skillet dinner over the weekend. Almost time to catch another pork sale!

Here’s a pick of the Mediterranean Pork Chops. Very quick and easy to make, both for the freezer, and when it’s time to cook for dinner. Check out the link above to My FreezEasy for these recipes!

I also did a chicken session recently. I can’t find a picture, though, so I guess I didn’t take one. I make Italian Chicken, and BBQ Chicken with a mix of raw breast and thighs in each bag. I left a couple of breast uncooked plain in another bag, to use for whatever I decide. I cooked several breasts, and they are waiting in the freezer for Chicken Alfredo, or to put on salads.

Doing meat specific freezer sessions are an easy way to get your freezer stocked without have to buy a whole months food at once. Or spend all day in the kitchen!

In the Kitchen with Linda & Dinner Menu

Now…. to answer the question that I get asked about a hundred times a day……….What’s For Dinner?

Saturday – quick & easy- Sausage Pasta Skillet Dinner, green beans, corn

Sunday – soup & sandwich day – dinner out

Monday – chicken or turkey – Baked bbq chicken, baked potatoes, zucchini

Tuesday – pizza/pasta – Cincinnati style Chili, green beans

Wednesday – Taco Night- tacos with all the fixings, homemade taco sauce

Thursday – pork or venison – Kielbasa with peppers and onions, mac & cheese, salad

Friday – venison – venison meat in gravy over rice, beets

For more ideas, visit Menu Plan Monday

*Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link. If you click the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission.

Homemaking Link Up

July 16, 2019 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

Welcome to this weeks………

Making a Home – Homemaking Link Up!

This weeks featured post is…… Unintentional Neglect from A New Lens.

This weeks featured post if a change from what we usually have. I think it’s safe to say that we all have good intentions that we are unable to follow through with, whatever the reason. I needed to read this, for sure. If you didn’t get to read it last week, click on over now and read it! This is definitely a good read, and well worth your time.

Making a Home – Homemaking Link Up

Now it’s your turn! Share your posts about homemaking ideas, recipes, crafts, decorating, cleaning tips, basically anything that has to do with caring for a home and family. The Link Up is open all week.

Don’t forget to visit a few other links while your here!

Your click is a vote for next weeks featured post! Having your post featured means I will share the picture you add in the link up, as well as the link to your post, in next weeks post!

All featured posts will be pinned to a special

Making a Home – Homemaking Link Up Pinterest board!!

So link up your posts, tell everyone to visit the link up, and maybe your post will be the featured post next week!

NEW! I post all featured posts on Mix!

Mix Making a Home – Homemaking Link Up Featured Posts Collection

Click to tweet! Help spread the word! The more people that know about the Making a Home Homemaking Link Up are more people that will see your link!

[Tweet “I just shared my post at the Making a Home #Homemaking #LinkUp @LindasLunacy #recipe #craft #DIY #homeschool posts & more!”]

No giveaways, please. Giveaway links will be deleted.You can link your giveaways on my Thursday’s Giveaways link up. Thanks!

Please provide a link back to me. A text link is fine. Of course, family friendly posts only.

Belong to Us – Movie Review

July 15, 2019 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

*This post contains affiliate links

The new movie Belong to Us follows family that consists of Starring Ryan O’Nan (Fargo, Legion) as Travis, (Ryan O’Nan) a single father struggling to connect with his baseball star son, Decklin (Matthew J. Lindblom), and spirited young daughter, Paige (Brooklyn Funk). Nana also lives with the family to help them.

The daughter finds a dog, and hides it from her father so she can keep it. With Nana’s help, Dad finally consents to keeping the dog, Duke. The dog brings the family together, but what they don’t know is that Duke escaped a dog fighting ring. And they want him back.

Nana tries hard to get Dad to see that he is favoring his son over his daughter. It takes his son getting bit by the dog and losing his pitching arm for the father to realize the mistakes he has made. And rectify them.

The brother – sister relationship in this movie is pretty cool. The actors do a great job of portraying a brother and sister that fight, yet are always there for each other no matter what.

In the end, the family has to fight to keep the dog. By going to a dog fight to rescue him after he has been taken. The police tell the dad and daughter that they saved all the dogs. Then the daughter tells the police about her friend that was home alone (his father was one of the dog fighters) and they went to get him. So she saved her friend, too, from being home along when his father was arrested.

Belong To Us (Trailer) from Jeff Green on Vimeo.

Belong to Us is rated PG-13 and is suitable for ages 12 and above. Belong to Us is Dove Approved, having received the “Family Favorite” Award for ages 12+.

Here are a few things to be aware of so you can decide if this movie is a good fit for your family:

Opening scene shows a dog fight for money, but no dogs fighting are actually shown. After the dog fight, you see a man passed out/asleep with bottles around him.

Another scene shows Nana doing a finger gesture with both hands. When the granddaughter asks her what the man in the car wanted, the grandmother said he was just admiring my birds. (Not very grandmotherly. lol And a totally unnecessary scene.)

In another scene a man is beaten in shadows, although they do show his face in between getting hit, but there are no marks or blood on his face. The next scene does show him with blood on his face.

The dad uses a gun is self defense, shooting a guy about to hit him with a tire iron in the arm. The guy runs away. After the police come, the dad hands his gun over to the police.

Overall, Belong to Us is a great movie about family, love and second chances.

Belong to Us is available on Amazon. Pre-order now for an August 6th release date.

Enter to win a Belong to Us DVD!

Enter below to win your own Belong to Us DVD!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): I was able to watch this movie online for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” My opinions are my own.
Linda’s Lunacy is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you click the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission.

The Logic of God by Ravi Zacharias – Book Review

June 12, 2019 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

*This post contains an affiliate link.

I recently received a copy of the book The Logic of God to read. I was looking forward to reading this new book. And I wasn’t disappointed.

The Logic of God Book Description

Jesus Christ alone answers our deepest questions.

We all have doubts that challenge our faith. We wonder whether the Bible still matters, or whether God is truly as loving and personal as we hope. In his first ever devotional, The Logic of God, apologist Ravi Zacharias offers 52 readings that explain how and why Christianity, the Bible, and God are still relevant, vital, and life-changing for us today. To all our dilemmas Ravi says, “I am convinced that Jesus Christ alone uniquely answers the deepest questions of our hearts and minds.”

With a remarkable grasp of biblical facts and a deep understanding of the questions that trouble our hearts, Ravi tackles the most difficult topics with ease and understanding. But The Logic of God is more than intellectual; it is also personal, offering thoughtful wisdom on:

when Jesus draws especially near you.
the deep ray of hope found in God’s Word.
how God transforms disappointments.
why prayer matters.
how genuine peace is possible.
making sense of suffering.

Ravi makes profound biblical truth easy to understand. And if your life is busy, this book is designed for you! It addresses 52 topics that you can read over the course of one year or slowly digest at your own pace. Each entry includes a Scripture, questions for reflection, and some practical application steps.

When you’re struggling with questions and doubts, confused, curious, or just want a clearer way to express your faith The Logic of God has answers from that satisfy the heart and the mind.

The Logic of God Book Review

The Logic of God is a devotional book with 52 entries. Each day’s reading follows the same pattern.

A scripture verse

2-4 pages of reading

2 Reflection Questions

2 Personal Application questions &/or things to do

This is not a fluff devotional. The readings are full of information, references, stories, and more. The questions are challenging to the reader, as in challenging you to think about the lesson and reach deep to answer it. But not so hard that you can’t answer them. There are no right or wrong answers!

You can choose how you want to read this book. You read one a day, and finish in under 2 months, one a day Monday-Friday and finish in about 2 1/2 months, or read one a week for a year.

I am really liking this devotional. I have found many of the readings to be much more than what the typical devotion is like in make books. Many of these are more like a teaching session. They are easy to read, but challenging at the same time. I like that there is a note section in the back that tells you where the references came from. As well as several pages of lined pages for you to write your own notes. There is a built in ribbon bookmark so you can easily find your place.

If you are looking for a devotional to challenge you to find out what you believe and why, The Logic of God is the devotional for you.

The Logic of God is available on Amazon.

Enter to win a signed copy of The Logic of God!

*Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” My opinions are my own.
Linda’s Lunacy is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you click the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission.

Healing the Healers

May 31, 2019 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

Who do we turn to when tragedy strikes? Faith leaders are the ones that we usually call upon when a tragedy or mass trauma strikes. They guide us, and our communities, toward healing and restoration.

But who heals the healers?

Healing the Healers is a new media resource where clergy, laity, social workers, first responders and other spiritual care providers facing community-level trauma can go for support. The five-part film series features a church pastor leading an important conversation with other faith leaders. All have ministered to their communities after a mass trauma or during ongoing community problems. The pastors who have been working in the trenches provide help and support for others going through similar things.

Check out the Healing the Healers trailer:

You can view trailers for each episode on the website.

The 5 part series is available for purchase on the website as a dvd set that includes license rights to screen the series in a group setting with pastors, and other leaders. The set also includes a discussion guide that includes written reflections by scholars, clergy and other experts.

I love that the website has emergency phone numbers that congregation leaders can use for immediate support.

If you, as a leader of your congregation, are experiencing a personal emergency or mental health crisis, call —, the disaster distress helpline(——–), or the national suicide prevention lifeline (———) for immediate assistance. If you are experiencing vocational distress, contact representatives at ——, by emailing ——, or by calling ——-, to receive personal care or coaching.

*Telephone numbers and email addresses removed by me for posting here. They are visible on the Healing the Healers website.

Our pastors, and other leaders, go above and beyond on a daily basis for all of us. It’s about time they had someplace to turn for help. I have viewed some of these and this series looks to me like it will really help our leaders to heal so they can continue to be there to help their churches, and communities with our many needs. The pastors who have been working in the trenches provide help and support for others going through similar things.

To learn more about this amazing resource for Pastors other leaders, visit Healing the Healers.

Please share with those in your life that who can use it!

To celebrate the release of Healing the Healers, they have a $50 Fandango Gift Card Giveaway! Click on over to enter!

*Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): I was able to view this series for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. I didn’t receive any product or compensation for this post. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” My opinions are my own.

In the Kitchen with Linda & Dinner Menu

February 25, 2019 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

I am out of practice taking food pictures. I forgot to take any last week! I need start remembering! lol

I did take one picture of food last week. At the grocery store (well the big store that starts with W-M lol)

I was looking around the produce section to see what fruit looked good when I found these peaches.

Needless to say, I didn’t buy any! The paper in the crate said that they were flown in fresh from Chilie. I find it hard to believe that someone actually bought some at the price!

I’ll be sure to have some food pictures next week!

In the Kitchen with Linda & Dinner Menu

Now…. to answer the question that I get asked about a hundred times a day……….What’s For Dinner?

Saturday – quick & easy- Venison steaks, mashed potatoes, corn, beets

Sunday – soup & sandwich day – Venison roast, turnips, rice, left over pasta

Monday – chicken or turkey – Baked chicken, homemade alfredo noodles, carrots

Tuesday – pizza/pasta – Cincinnati style Chili, green beans

Wednesday – Taco Night- tacos with all the fixings, homemade taco sauce

Thursday – pork or venison – pork roast, baked potatoes, spinach, corn

Friday – venison – venison meat in gravy over rice, broccoli, peas

For more ideas, visit Menu Plan Monday

Grit & Grace Devotions for Warrior Moms Book Review & Giveaway

February 22, 2019 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

*This post contains affiliate links

As a mom of 6, I know first hand how hard it is to fit in Bible reading and devotion time. It’s not because we don’t want to. It’s because we have these little people all clamoring for our attention. Often several at the same time. Add in work, and all the other responsibilities moms have, and it sure is hard to fit anything in!

That’s why I’m really liking Grit & Grace Devotions for Warrior Moms. Grit & Grace is a 90 day devotional for busy moms. Daily devotions take less than 5 minutes to read. Each devotion includes Bible verses, a prayer, along with a true story of motherhood with the spiritual truths the authors learned by going through the experience with their kids. This devotional is fully self contained, you don’t need to gather your Bible, notebook, pen, etc.

Grit & Grace Devotions for Warrior Moms Book Review & Giveaway

Grit & Grace Devotions for Warrior Moms is written for moms of young children. Babies, toddlers, and early elementary. I had all of those at the same time, along with a couple of teenagers, too. lol My oldest was 14 when my youngest was born. From reading these devotionals, I think they are appropriate for moms with kids of all ages. And Grandma’s too! Let’s not leave out the grandmas! I am one now. lol This devotional will encourage you while you spend quality time with your grandchildren. If you are one of the many, many grandmothers now raising your grandchildren, you will benefit greatly from this devotional book.

The authors are both busy moms that use their own real life stories, along with humor to help encourage moms. As you read the Bible verses and prayer that go along with each day’s message, you’ll discover more fully who you are in Christ and how to raise your children to reflect His love to the world.

I have enjoyed reading the devotionals in Grit & Grace, now I’m going to pass my copy on to my daughter. My granddaughter is 6 months old now, and I know these devotions will really help and encourage my daughter as she walks through this journey of motherhood.

You can follow Grit & Grace on Social media:

Facebook (gritandgracemoms)
Twitter (@Gritandgracemom)
Instagram (@gritandgracemoms)

Grit & Grace Devotionals for Warrior Moms is now available to purchase in bookstores and online. (affiliate link)