Gnocchi in Parmesan Garlic Sauce

Kathleen and I were in Aldi the other day when we came across a package of gnocchi and decided to try it! It was super easy and dorm friendly! 

Gnocchi in Parmesan Garlic Sauce 

My Life as a Mrs.

1 pound gnocchi (or other pasta)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
2 cloves garlic, grated
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/4 cup cooking liquid
fresh cracked pepper
salt

Cook gnocchi according to the package instructions (I like to salt the water). Be sure to reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid. (Jenna's notes: I saved and used nearly 1 cup!)

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the garlic and saute for 1 minute (stirring constantly. Add the cooked and drained gnocchi, top with Parmesan, and cooking liquid. Stir until nice and creamy. Reduce heat to a low simmer and allow the liquid to reduce (about 3-4 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Update on "The Blizzard"

First of all, I want to say....

Oh, what was that? You see rain instead of snow? ...me too. 

Last night, my suitemates and I saw the snow blowing outside our window and we began praying for lots and lots to fall. My roommate and I were restless last night just awaiting the text from the school that classes would be cancelled. I tried not to get too hopeful, but honestly the news had been predicting 8-16 inches for where we were so we were pretty excited!

But the text never came, sigh. 

When I was walking to my 8 AM class, this was the remnants of the "blizzard" 

At 9:45 here is the view outside my window! 

Happy Tuesday, friends!

"Blizzard Looks Worse Than The Last One..."

Yep, that's the headline on Yahoo News today...

This is the view outside my window right now...

I certainly would NOT classify rain as a blizzard... but what do I know? 

The best part of going to school in Oklahoma? When there is a threat of bad weather, class is cancelled. I walked into my Social Movements class today and the professor walked in 2 minutes after class was supposed to start and said, "Well, OU has cancelled their classes (OU is about 25 minutes from my campus) so I am canceling too." Apparently OU cancelled because of "ice" and "potential icy conditions" --- potential.... that means that nothing has happened yet... ay yi yi... So, I walked outside and saw this.... The Peniel (a main road through campus) Nile.... Bethany, Oklahoma has the worst drainage problem. But the point is, see that? It is just rain people.

I am not getting my hopes up but we are supposed to get some snow here tonight. I would not turn down an opportunity for a snow day tomorrow one bit, but I also am not counting on it. The school tends to be a tad paranoid so if there is a dusting of snow, classes probably will be delayed if not cancelled. 

I supposed we just wait and see if this storm really is "worse than the last one!" 

Snowy Day

Today we were so excited to see white stuff that it was difficult to sit through our chapel service. My friends Jen and Cory especially were having a hard time containing their excitement! Derek, another one of my friends, had class after chapel, but the rest of us didn't so we went out and played!

Jen, Kathleen, and me! 

Cory is from Florida...so bless his sweet heart, but he isn't used to the cold. His solution to ward off cold feet was to tie giant garbage bags around his socks. I guess they did keep his feet from getting wet... all the more power to him!  

We had some fun and made my car have "eyes" 

Me and my sweet sister walking to our 8AM class. We were loving the huge flakes. People thought we were crazy for not wearing coats, but it really wasn't that cold. The snow didn't stick around long and turned into slush! 

It sure was pretty while it lasted! 

Who is excited for Spring Break and sleep? Yours truly...

So, back to reality. Typing a paper for tomorrow as I sit watching the snow fall from my third floor window! Have a great day! 

Altar Ego

Kathleen and I went to church tonight. We go to LifeChurch.Tv here in Bethany, OK. We both really feel that it is "the" church for us right now and we get a lot out of it each week. Our pastor, Craig Groeschel, has written quite a few books. However, this one-- Altar Ego-- is his newest. He also just started a 4 week sermon series on it.  

If you're interested in watching the first part of this new series my church is doing, click here. You won't be disappointed! If you're anything like me, you sometimes struggle with feeling "not good enough." The truth is that you are who GOD says you are...and that is enough.

Week two's message, next week, is on "our need for control" which hello, convicted much already? I am excited to see what the message is about, but honestly being in control is something that I have struggled with a lot in my walk with Christ. Regardless of how many times I do step back and let God lead me, I still struggle with wanting to be in control of situations... I know, will I ever learn? Anyways,  I think it'll be one of those sermons that I will dread, yet desperately need.  

Faithfulness

Have you ever just had those moments when you're struck with how God is in the little things? Today, I woke up early to have my devotions before my class. I had a test at 8 that I honestly wasn't worried about because I knew I had studied enough to be ready. I was so encouraged by this morning's devotional (from "Jesus Calling") that I thought I'd share!

Do I choose to trust God in my choices, no matter what? I've been focusing hard on trusting Him rather than worrying--because it is so much better that way!

Today

What a difference a week makes....

Last Saturday at this time, I was sitting at home, playing Wii with my Dad and sister with nothing to do until I babysat later in the day. The Packers were playing just like they will today, but I had the ability to watch them from a comfy couch.

This week? I am planning out the most efficient way to get all my homework done before tomorrow is over. There is already a lot of stuff to do that is piling up. Rather than get overwhelmed however, I am blogging!

I sure wish I was at home in the comfort of my own bedroom and just hanging out with my favorite people. But, here I am in Bethany, waiting for "winter weather" to show up. Apparently it could snow, sleet, and become icy tonight!

I am constantly having to remind myself to be content where I am now in my life. For this season, it is being bombarded with homework and living in a dorm room in Oklahoma. In all things, find joy!

Have a great weekend, wherever you might be!

Playing Catch Up

Hello there friends.

Life has been crazy lately. I can hardly believe it is 2013 already. The year I become a college graduate.

Last semester, despite my good intentions to blog "often"-- I failed miserably. It wasn't because I had nothing to say, but the semester itself was my toughest yet and at times I wondered if I would make it through. I am not saying that to be dramatic at all because it really was the truth. Long story short, I had a professor who was new to my school that taught one of my favorite subjects. I barely could pass the tests and despite multiple trips to the professor's office I was told, "I just don't know what to tell you to help you get the grade you want." I thought that was a really encouraging way to handle a whole class full of people struggling to get through. :D

Anyways, God really taught me a LOT last semester such as, there are things (most everything, in fact) that Jenna Johnson cannot control or change. Other things such as, despite the fact I struggled with Social Psychology and I didn't understand why that was the case most days, that God was still good and still came through with teaching me what I needed to learn - not only through academics. However, I first had to stop and realize that I couldn't conquer Social Psychology, but God could... and then I had to let Him!

Along with that difficult class, I had a full plate of other time consuming classes. I soon found out that having a lot of upper division psychology classes at the same time meant a never ending to-do list of papers and assignments, which left very little time for things other than sleeping and attending classes!

I had an amazing opportunity though, to have my first internship with Reaching Our City, a local non-profit organization here in Bethany. I arrived not really knowing what to expect, but yet again, God provided many teaching and learning moments for me. I witnessed and worked alongside of people who live in poverty and found that my heart needed a serious reality check. I was able to gain some practical experience dealing with a diverse group of people through facilitating an event called the Christmas Toy Store. This program allowed the parents of underprivileged children to take part in a "shopping" experience where brand new toys were able to be chosen for free. Talk about learning the meaning of giving to others!

Christmas break came at the perfect time. I was worn out and ready to go home! I was able to come back to SNU rejuvenated after spending time with my family. We were also able to travel up to Wisconsin where I saw my best friend and other family.

Now, I'm back at school. The semester started yesterday and I am already tired! How does that work? Thankfully this semester is social psychology free and new classes are readily welcomed! After attending all of them, I've determined it will be yet another busy semester, but I think I am ready for the challenge. If God has taught me anything thus far, I cannot accomplish things on my own. Being the control-freak, perfectionist person that I am, it is a hard lesson to learn. In fact, I am still learning. Even though it took me a good two and half years of college to understand just how badly I need Christ daily... even in what I think are the silliest, most minuscule things I don't think He is concerned about.... I am so beyond grateful that God cares about all aspects of my life. This semester, I am encouraged about going through assignments with the assurance that God has brought me this far and He will get me through the rest of college--and the rest of my life--- if I learn to depend on Him. SO simple, but again, my controlling nature seems to get in the way sometimes.

I've learned a valuable lesson in college so far.... life is a learning experience. My expectations freshman year were to graduate with a whole bunch of book knowledge, yet I have been constantly surprised at how many life experiences that I have witnessed in addition to academics. It's been a crazy wonderful journey with all of the ups and downs.

So, here I am... beginning the first weekend of my last spring semester of college. I am officially a senior. I hear senior year is just as crazy as previous semesters... if not more... so I can't make any promises to "blog every day" or even every week. However, looking out my window tonight as I type this post, I can't help but feel blessed that God has His hand on every portion of our lives. He does care about my struggles because He promises to remain faithful in both the easiest and the toughest times. What a blessing it is for me to continually realize and accept His goodness!

Thankfulness

Monumental

Most of society would consider the significance of tomorrow to be a monumental moment in life.

Don't get me wrong, tomorrow is a big day, but the reasons don't have anything to do with trying alcohol.

Tomorrow, I turn 21. And that number makes me feel old.

Two important things:

1. I have no desire to drink... now or ever... so don't get any ideas. 

2. I am so beyond blessed. 

One reason I feel old, is that I think I've reached the beginning point of looking back on previous experiences while reflecting on both the good things and the bad. Above all, I can't stop thinking how overwhelmingly good God has been.

I remember when I was a child and I saw college students and thought they were so mature. I was sure I'd never make it to the point in life where I would be in a place similar to theirs. Yet, here I am... just 4 short weeks from finishing my junior year in college. More than anything, this semester has been my toughest. But, I have found underneath the stress, frustration, and the exhaustion, that I have needed and relied on God in ways that I never have before. Contrary to what I observed my cousins going through years ago, college is so much more educational than just going to class and taking tests. Life experiences are learned that I would have missed out on had God not placed me at SNU. This semester has been tough, but regardless...I am blessed. Many people don't have the opportunity to go to school; let alone live in a beautiful dorm, have a Christian education, or meet some awesome people. Don't even get me started on my family. Without them, I wouldn't be here... it's as simple as that. I just can't express how great they all are or what they mean to me. Their influence, both my parents and my sister, allowed me to find Christ at a young age and continue to cultivate my faith throughout the years. For that alone, I am grateful.

I hope that despite what I face in life, in both the hardships and the joyous moments, that my life will be a reflection of Christ- always.

Even though I feel old, I am blessed... beyond what I deserve. I'm excited to see what year twenty-one has in store!