Tator Tot Casserole

Tater Tot Casserole 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots

• Hot sauce, for an extra kick

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook Meat and Onion: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or ground turkey over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat and onion, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Add hot sauce to taste and mix well.

4. Assemble Casserole: Spread the meat mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the meat mixture.

5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

6. Add Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Singleness Isn't A Curse, Marriage Isn't A Right

I firmly believe singleness is an opportunity to develop yourself more and establish a healthy foundation in God. There are people who've had a head start because they grew up in a wonderful household to help equip them and prepare them for life and marriage. Marriage is bestowed upon as an act of demonstrating selfless love to give to another and in order to have a solid marriage, you have to learn who you are and your identity in Christ. How will you exhibit selfless love to another if you don't even know and love yourself?

There are people unfortunately who lacked those good and necessary tools and the right environment due to trauma and abuse which bred a lot of issues down the road and the process of healing and undoing trauma is not an easy journey. Hence why it takes longer than others. I've been learning a lot through therapy and God's Word but He's been revealing things very slowly as He's growing me from a stunted state. It just takes longer for some people than others as some are late bloomers. If you see marriage as a right, then you are immature and not ready to handle the responsibilities within it. It's a gift that shouldn't be treated lightly.

I believe that while some people have a more difficult and painful journey, as easy as it may be to compare yourself and your journey to another because of how you wish you were wired and had a journey with lesser trials and difficulties like the other person. Just because you had more obstacles and pain doesn't mean you're inferior or less of a person. You are blessed too even if you're not married at a certain age like most people your age. Even if you didn't have opportunities because of setbacks or whatever. While some people's journey may be more linear, you are growing and evolving into becoming who you need to be. Despite lacking and being stunted, as you continue to heal (transform) you gain and appreciate your blessings (including marriage if it happens) more on a personal and deeper level.

For further reading: Learning Through Love 

Love Is

Being 30 and Still Single

What If I'm Over 30 and Still Single?  

Healing and Trauma

Appreciating How God Made You

Delight In God Not Idols