Monthly Archives: June 2014

Make Your Own Ranch Dressing Packets

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The other day I was making a recipe that called for a packet of ranch salad dressing mix. Well, I don’t use these packets very often, so when I went to the cupboard, I found I did not have any on hand. Since I didn’t have time to run to the store and buy some, and I didn’t have time to come up with an alternative recipe, I decided to take a quick look on Pinterest to see if I could make the packets myself. I found this recipe from The Crafty Blog Stalker and it turned out perfect! The only problem was that her recipe made a LOT of dressing. Like 3 1/2 cups of the mix! That would probably last me a lifetime, so I’ve given you a smaller recipe here, which equals about 4 packets of ranch dressing mix (assuming 3 tbsp. to a packet).

Ranch Dressing Mix

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. dried parsley
  • 3 Tbsp. granulated onion
  • 2 Tbsp. garlic salt
  • 1 Tbsp. black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp. dill weed
  • 1 1/2 tsp. Kosher salt

Mix together and store in an airtight container. To substitute for a ranch dressing packet in a recipe, use 3 Tbsp. of mix. To make a dip, I used 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup sour cream, and about 1 1/2 TBS of the mix. I had to add about a tablespoon of sugar to get the taste right, but it was really good!

Shepherding a Child’s Heart Study: Chapters 18 and 19

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Today we cover the final chapters in our Shepherding a Child’s Heart book study. These chapters cover one of the seemingly “scariest” topics in parenthood – teenagers! Tripp basically builds on the principles laid out in the previous chapters. Many people cringe when they think of their children entering the teenage years, but Tripp says this need not be so. Parents often seem surprised when their teen rebels, but Tripp points out that often the seeds of rebellion were already present in the younger years. It’s just that as the child grows, he or she realizes that Mom and Dad are not all powerful and they no longer fear the consequences so they begin to act on the rebellion that already existed. This is why it is so important to begin this shepherding process early. A few things that stuck out to me as I read:

Young people generally do not run from places where they are loved and know unconditional acceptance. They do not run away from homes where there are solid relationships. They do not run from homes in which the family is planning activities and doing exciting things.

You can accomplish nothing of lasting value simply by being an authority. You must seek to counsel and influence.

Encourage your children not to run from their questions. Everyone does not have to have every question, but everyone must find resolution for the questions he has. Christian faith is robust enough to stand close scrutiny.

Overall, as I finish up the book, I am reminded that as the children grow older, my relationship with them counts more than the rules I make. I must work to influence them during the teen years, not simply command them. I can set all the rules I want, but what good do those do when the child leaves home (or can circumvent any rule I come up with while still in the home)? He or she needs to be able to think for themselves, and it is my role to guide them in that process.

Shepherding a Child’s Heart Study: Chapters 16 & 17

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shepherding a childs heart study

This is the last week of our Shepherding a Child’s Heart book study! Today we are covering chapters 16 and 17, which covers training objective and procedures in the childhood (ages 5-12) years.

As children get into the school years, they need the character traits that will enable them to do the right thing even when Mom and Dad aren’t around. As Tripp says,

The big issue during these middle years is character. Your child’s character must be developed in several areas. You want your child to learn dependability, honesty, kindness, consideration, helpfulness, diligence, loyalty, humility, self-control, moral purity, and a host of other character qualities.

This requires addressing more than simply disobedience or disrespectful attitudes towards the parents. Making new rules to govern every single issue doesn’t work if the child’s character is neglected. To develop the character, the parent must first assess the needs of the children by looking at the child in relationship to God, to himself, and to others.

After this is done, the process of training the heart can begin. As before, addressing the heart is essential, rather than simply focusing on the behavior. “Unless you take the behavior apart in this way, you end up always addressing the externals. You will be like the man who tries to solve the problem of weeds in his lawn by mowing the grass. The weeds always grow back.”

This quote struck me as a really good visual for the overall premise of this book. The heart is central to behavior. I think this idea is most useful in the childhood years when the child’s conscience and sense of right and wrong really begins to develop. A good reminder for me as my oldest son is entering this stage.