Why Watch but Not Do?

A question was posed to me a couple weeks ago, and it has gotten my mind spinning a bit and I'd imagine it could and would do the same for you.

First let set the stage a bit...

How many of us/you watch Extreme Home Makeover?
How many of us/you have seen it?
And how many of us/you do not watch it anymore because it's a complete tear jerker?

I'd imagine this is most of us... in one shape or another... we are so impacted by the great deed that this show does and all the hundreds of volunteers that work tirelessly for multiple days to bless a deserving family with a much needed home. It's "the greatest depiction of grace on TV", as Mr. McGoo has once put it. Doesn't it make you feel good watching it?

So here is the question that was posed to me...

Why are you/me/we not doing something tangible to serve others? 

Why do we watch things like Extreme Home Makeover on TV, gain a "good feeling" from it, and practically count that deed as our own, all while never leaving our couch? 

What am I... what are you... what are we doing for our neighbor?

How are we lending a helpful hand?

And if the answer is NOTHING... why not?
It challenged me.

Whirlwind

Ummm tomorrow is the last day of August - HELLO where did the month go, or better yet, where did summer go?. September is officially Fall in my mindset of the seasons (not sure what the official calendar says, but don't really care), therefore summer is actually over and with it I want to take a quick reflection on Summer 2010.

May

Mr. McGoo was able to say goodbye to his Spring semester and greet his summer school with a smile this May. At the same time, I began to tackle my Summer Trimester, all the while preparing for our upcoming mission trip in June. The most impacting event of May was the hosting of our (hopefully annual) CRAWFISH BOIL FOR A CAUSE. With the amazing support of family, friends, and even strangers, we were able to enjoy some YUMMY crawfish, as well as enjoy the beautiful weather while raising over $1500 for worldwide missions. Through this event $500 went towards three different missions trips this summer to Ethiopia, Guatemala, and The Dominican Republic. People's generosity and participation was amazing! Good times and oh' so yummy food!

June

I know June 2010 will be spoken of for a long time in the McGoo household. June jump started many changes in our lives as well as ignited a fire within us to more fervently serve the Lord. This June, Mr. McGoo and I, along with seven others, traveled to Ethiopia to work with The Forsaken Children Organization. We will be forever impacted by the children and staff we worked with, as well as the Ethiopian culture in general. The trip has become the starting point for so many things that we will do the rest of this year, as well as years to come - if I had to guess.

July

With God's perfect timing (weeks after returning from Ethiopia) and provision, July was the first ever full family Wilson vacation that included the two son in laws (one of which is Mr. McGoo). We all traveled to BlueRidge, GA together and enjoyed some rest and relaxation. The week included LOTS of eats, plenty of sleep, reading, hiking, Super Mario on Wii galore, and good ole family fun.

In addition to our fun family vaca, Mr. McGoo & I competed in our Kickball League Spring Tourney, winning the championship once again. It was bitter sweet... sweet in that WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS, but bitter because I know I won't be able to play next season due to my school schedule. I'll have to cheer on The Underdogs from the stands, on days that I can make it.

August
Where did August go? The title of this post is a perfect description for August in and of itself. This month has been defined by final exams for both Mr. McGoo and myself's summer classes, preseason 3-a-days for over two weeks for Mr. McGoo,  planning, prepping and producing the U of Memphis Lady Tigers Soccer Alumni Weekend for me, and every little thing in between. The Alumni Weekend (which I will post about separately at some point) was a success and I look forward to a bigger and better one in 2011.

Happy Happy Birthday

Happy Happy Birthday, Mr. McGoo & Robin!

Yup, today marks the 35th birthday of my VERY handsome husband and the 24th birthday of my good looking middle sister. I couldn't wish them both a bigger Happy Happy Birthday, but considering the day is falling on a Wednesday, I'm not sure how much celebrating will go on! Love you both more than you probably know!!!

Mr. McGoo's 31st Birthday celebration thrown by me

2 of the 3 Wilson Girls! Happy Birthday Robin!

I'm so proud of these two... it has been awesome to see how over the years, God has continued to grow them and mold them into even more amazing people along the way! I'm so thankful for both of them!

Happy Happy Birthday, you two! LOVE YOU!

Ethiopia Bound McGoo's

We have FINALLY completed and written our follow up McGugan Mailer after our amazing experience this past June in Ethiopia. In addition... the McGoo's are Ethiopia Bound AGAIN this December!

 

You read that correctly! We are excited to announce that Mr. McGoo has been offered & accepted an internship with The Forsaken Children this fall as Sports Ministry Intern. With this internship, Mr. McGoo will work to design, plan, and implement a sports ministry program on the ground of Addis Ababa that ministers to the street children of Ethiopia and shares the love and hope of Christ through sports! This fall, he will work on the plans and preparation... and we will depart for Ethiopia around December 10th. Mr. McGoo will stay for 3-4 weeks and Mrs. McGoo will join him for the first 2 weeks.

We couldn't be more excited as to how God is opening up additional doors for us to serve Him and the children and staff who have so greatly impacted us while in Ethiopia. We cannot wait to use the talents the Lord has blessed us to with to share His name!

Below you'll find our latest McGugan Mailer... The first page or two wraps up our journey in June, and the remainder of the mailer discusses our upcoming journey and how YOU can continue to be a part of the process.

Thank you for your prayer, support, and encouragement along the way!

Let the support raising begin!

McGugan Mailer - 2010 Volume 4

Psalm 118

 ¹ Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
       his love endures forever.

 ² Let Israel say:
       "His love endures forever."

 ³ Let the house of Aaron say:
       "His love endures forever."

 ⁴ Let those who fear the LORD say:
       "His love endures forever."

 ⁵ In my anguish I cried to the LORD,
       and he answered by setting me free.

 ⁶ The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.
       What can man do to me?

 ⁷ The LORD is with me; he is my helper.
       I will look in triumph on my enemies.

 ⁸ It is better to take refuge in the LORD
       than to trust in man.

 ⁹ It is better to take refuge in the LORD
       than to trust in princes.

 ¹⁰ All the nations surrounded me,
       but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

 ¹¹ They surrounded me on every side,
       but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

 ¹² They swarmed around me like bees,
       but they died out as quickly as burning thorns;
       in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

 ¹³ I was pushed back and about to fall,
       but the LORD helped me.

 ¹⁴ The LORD is my strength and my song;
       he has become my salvation.

 ¹⁵ Shouts of joy and victory
       resound in the tents of the righteous:
       "The LORD's right hand has done mighty things!

 ¹⁶ The LORD's right hand is lifted high;
       the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!"

 ¹⁷ I will not die but live,
       and will proclaim what the LORD has done.

 ¹⁸ The LORD has chastened me severely,
       but he has not given me over to death.

 ¹⁹ Open for me the gates of righteousness;
       I will enter and give thanks to the LORD.

 ²⁰ This is the gate of the LORD
       through which the righteous may enter.

 ²¹ I will give you thanks, for you answered me;
       you have become my salvation.

 ²² The stone the builders rejected
       has become the capstone;

 ²³ the LORD has done this,
       and it is marvelous in our eyes.

 ²⁴ This is the day the LORD has made;
       let us rejoice and be glad in it.

 ²⁵ O LORD, save us;
       O LORD, grant us success.

 ²⁶ Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.
       From the house of the LORD we bless you. ^[a]

 ²⁷ The LORD is God,
       and he has made his light shine upon us.
       With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession
       up ^[b] to the horns of the altar.

 ²⁸ You are my God, and I will give you thanks;
       you are my God, and I will exalt you.

 ²⁹ Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
       his love endures forever.

Calling All Alabama Fans!

I'm not an Alabama fan, HOWEVER... we have a buddy that produced all of the soundtrack for this film! Whoa! We're so proud of James and the continued success of EarSmack Audio. Check this trailer out and go catch the film - especially those Alabama fans out there!


Nick Saban : Gamechanger from Flashlight Media Group on Vimeo.

HELP RAISE $4800 in 48 HOURS!

Dear friends of ours (The Dunlap's) are just a couple of weeks away from bringing on their little boy from Ethiopia! Their journey has been amazing to follow and a pure testimony to God's provision and faithfulness!

This weekend, I invite you to be a part of bringing their 3.5 year old son home! Check out how YOU can make a big difference without giving up much along the way... however, if you feel led to give sacrificially - I know God is surely glorified within that too!

$4800 in 48 HOURS:
Help bring a little boy in Ethiopia home to his forever family for only $10!  Visit www.dunlapadoption.com to donate online!

It's a  FACEBOOK/TWITTER/BLOG-A-THON to raise the money needed to purchase the family's airline tickets to bring their child home, and they could use YOUR help!

Here are the details:
    The goal is $4800 in 48 HOURS!
    Begins TONIGHT at 11:59 and ends at 11:59 PM on Sunday.
    If 480 people each contribute $10 . . . the goal will be met!
    Donations will be run through the Paypal “Donate” button on their blog (top, left-hand side).

    ***Please consider donating $10 or more & help us spread the word exponentially using Facebook, Twitter, blog posts & any other forms of social media you use!  It’s easy – just copy and paste this information:***

And check out their blog: http://www.dunlapadoption.com/

**UPDATES:**
Friday 8/20 @ 9 PM: $800!!!  
Friday 8/20 @ 11PM: $1045!!!
Saturday 8/21 @ 8 AM: $1,220!!!
Saturday 8/21 @ 2 PM: $1,510!!! 
Saturday 8/21 @ 8 PM: $1,720 !!!
Sunday, 8/22 @ 1 PM: $2,535!!!
Sunday, 8/22 @ 9pm: $3,030!!! 

Thanks to everyone that participated! The Dunlap's raised over $3500 in their 48 hr blog/twitter/Facebook-a-thon! Praise God for His provision!!! 

We love you Brad & Katie!!!

Quoting Redeemed Girl's Response...

I have not yet read Eat Pray Love, nor have seen the movie yet - BUT I have heard good things about it. My sister(s) have read the book, probably my mom too and most spoke highly of it's entertainment factor, as well as the movie (I mean, who doesn't like Julia Roberts?! She's adorable). My sisters and mother know the Lord, and I am confident that when reading/watching EAT PRAY LOVE, they enjoyed the discussion of travels, the appeal of seeing the world, and the good writing/acting of the characters involved without a thought of pursuing god-likeness rather than following Christ.

However, I have been taking in quite a bit of commentary about it all - on both sides as of late ... and I'm beginning to see that we have to be careful with the underlying messages of the things we take in... what is it really saying?

Now hear me before you go on (because I'd imagine some of your are already turned off to this post)... I'm not an advocate of boycotting things. Honestly, it often makes me nauseous when "Christians" boycott a movie, book, etc... because often times it just creates the opposite reaction from non-believers than what the group hoped to accomplish. I cannot help but think, "okay, so you're boycotting Harry Potter because it's 'bad' but how many things in your own daily life could you focus on changing/not doing instead that are not pleasing to the Lord?!" I guess, I often think of the "plank in your own eye" verse when that stuff comes up! (Matthew 7:3-5).

But don't get me wrong, I have come to realize that we must be careful what we put into our hearts and minds... because often times, what goes in, also comes out. But even more than that, I believe it's important that we are AWARE of the messages the world is speaking around us (same tricks from the enemy, just different packages) and work to utilize these moments to share the HOPE that we have! To speak Christ into the lives of those around us - not by saying "ewww! That's bad you read A, or you watched B", but instead utilizing the topics that were presented in A & B and sharing the truth from your own walk with Christ.

In the same way, I believe we can totally use this movie/book (EAT PRAY LOVE) as a chance to share our purpose in life and the purpose EVERYONE is invited to find - not a purpose within or about ourselves, but regarding the Glory of our Savior! I challenge YOU today, and even more ME, to be bold in sharing our faith if/when this movie, book, or any opportunity presented by God comes up around us.

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect

I probably will check this book or movie out in the near future - borrowing it from someone or catching a flick with my Mom if we have a girls weekend - one, for pure entertainment value, but even more importantly for having the knowledge of story to be ready to share like 1 Peter 3:15 above...

Check out this lady's post below - she has read the book... I thought it was worthwhile to share! Let it marinate a bit and I'd love to have some feedback.

Redeemed Girl's Response to Eat Pray Love

August 14th, 2010 - Marian Jordan

"Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay. But look for Christ and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in."      - C. S. Lewis

Women today stand at a dangerous crossroads. On one side, there is the way of the world with a carefully crafted message beckoning us to follow (along with the masses) “the way that seems right to man” (Proverbs 14:12). This way says, “put yourself first,” “it’s all about you,” and “do whatever it takes to make you happy.”  While the world is terribly convincing and this way does, indeed, seem right…ultimately, as Scripture teaches, this “way” of seeking self-first leads only to death. What kind of death? Well, I’ll elaborate on that point more in just a minute.

The best-selling novel, Eat Pray Love depicts the world’s message in an enticing and beautiful fashion and if the reader isn’t discerning she can get sucked into its empty vortex and believe its lies. The blockbuster film based on this book releases today, starring the adorable Julia Roberts. Eat Pray Love is the biography of Elizabeth Gilbert, a woman dissatisfied with life who decides to ditch her loving husband and successful career to “find herself.” 

Gilbert sets out on a year-long journey to Italy, India and Indonesia in hopes of discovering life.  Her self-discovery quest follows the way that says “it’s all about you” to such an extreme that the philosophical religion/worldview that she embraces by the end of her journey is one that teaches that she, herself, is god.  She is ultimate reality…and that truth, life, and meaning lie within her.

I read Eat Pray Love while vacationing this summer. While the travel junkie in me loved revisiting some familiar places and the girl in me whose faced head on the issues of emptiness and longing understood her desire, I couldn’t stop myself from repeatedly getting frustrated, tossing the book on my beach towel, and telling my friends how I believe with all my heart that the message of this book is both seductive and deceptive to women.

I’ll make this simple and cut to the chase. Bottom line, …we are not god!



While reading this book, I thought of my mom. Raising seven kids, scraping by to pay bills and trying to keep her sanity amidst the chaos. Would it have ever occurred to her to ditch it all, run off to Italy, and eat gelato! Why yes!  I’m sure every woman in the world at times wants to run away from it all. But thankfully, my mom didn’t run. The reason? Because fundamental to her worldview was the belief that the world doesn’t revolve around her! She sacrificed and put the needs of others before herself, not because she wasn’t “evolved” or “enlightened” but because she “loved.” First she loved Jesus and then she loved her family.  She chose a different way, the way that says “no” to selfishness and embraces life in Jesus. And I’ll tell you one thing…I don’t know a woman in the world who has more joy.

That’s why I think the message of the world is so incredibly dangerous. The attack on women is subtle but deliberate. Tempting us to believe that happiness will be found if we seek ourselves first and ditch anything or anyone that hinder that pursuit.  This message plays out in all ages and generations and is the leading cause of addictions, affairs, abortions, abandonment, and abdication of roles.

I said at the beginning of this blog that women are at a crossroads. Yet, thankfully, there is another way we can choose, it is the way of Jesus…the way of life. Jesus invites us to follow Him.

 Friends, I’ll be honest, I’ve tried both ways. The way of the world with it’s deceptive lures that says, “It’s all about you,” and at the end of that path I discovered, me—my emptiness, my sin, my inabilities, my insecurities, Me. Me. Me. Me.  (Vomit!) Trust me, more of myself is not the formula for happiness. The reason? To seek life in self is the most miserable of all journeys.  As C.S. Lewis said, "Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay. But look for Christ and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in."

The way of Jesus is the way of real, abundant life because our souls find Something to eclipse the vulnerability of our finiteness.  We long to get lost in the Infinite, and that is exactly who Jesus is….Infinite, Glorious, Almighty, Sovereign, All—Goodness, All-knowing, All-Loving.  As Louie Giglio says, “He (Jesus) is the I AM and I am the i am not.”   To seek life in self is the most futile and bankrupt of journeys…leading only to despair and regret.

Following Him, seeking Him, trusting Him, and knowing Him is the way of abundant life. I’ve followed Him and worshipped Him in both Italy and India and in every country in between. Along the way, I’ve discovered the truth: When our souls are consumed with the One who spoke the world into existence and we are lost in worshipping Him, we discover our true joy, our true purpose, and our true reason for existence. Yes, girls, in finding Him, we find life!

It is my prayer for each of us that today we will all eat, pray and love…

Eat…The Bread of Life, Jesus Christ, the only One who satisfies the hunger of our souls. (John 6:35)

Pray…To the God who hears, the God who sees, the God who moves mountains to answer our prayers!  (Luke 11:1-10)

Love… Experience the ocean of grace and mercy that flow from God’s heart to yours in Jesus Christ, quenching the deepest desires for acceptance and questions of value and significance. After all, the Bible teaches,  “God is love.” He reveals what love actually is and it is His love alone that consumes hearts and minds and cast out all fear.  (1 John 4:7-19)

Jesus said…

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

“I am the way, the truth, the life, no one comes to the Father but through Me.” John 14:6

Book Corner: Current Reads

So with my 2.5 weeks of break from school.... I also have ambitions of completing or getting deeply into my current reads. I'm working on three different books at present, and they all hit different topics/areas of my life for sure!

Book 1: The Marriage Builder by Larry Crabb

Monthly I meet with some ladies to discuss marriage and how I/we can become better, more Godly wives. We recently finished The Proper Care & Feeding of Husbands by Dr. Laura Schlessinger - - - and now we've dived into Dr. Crabb's book - The Marriage Builder.

I read this book during Mr. McGoo and my engagement... it has been cool to read it again now that we're over three years into marriage. Although only reading a chapter a month will make us work on this book for awhile... it's a goody and still on my book corner current reads!

Book 2: Ms. Understood - Rebuilding the Feminine Equation by Jen Hatmaker

One of my 2009 Christmas gifts from Mr. McGoo (so sad that sometimes it takes me this long to get through my reads), I am currently making my way through Jen Hatmaker's Ms. Understood. Although I LOVED Interrupted - like seriously loved it and was definitely challenged and stirred by it, as noticed by the post here and here,.... so far in my minimal journey of Ms. Understood I'm not captivated and/or impressed. So far I'm not relating to the topic that much, but I'm not giving up as I've barely broken the surface of the book. Time will tell and I'll try to remember to re-evaluate or discuss my impressions upon completion.

Book 3: City of Glass - Book Three of The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare

WOW! So when I went to get the web link for The Mortal Instruments, I've just learned that book three is not the completion of the series! Apparently the series will have six books total - never realized/knew that. Hmm, learn something new everyday.

Anyway, off the suggestion of a friend that is an avid reader and knew I enjoyed the Twilight series, I requested these books for Christmas this past year. I've complete two of the three currently available, and have enjoyed them. They are EASY reads, simple, entertaining, and pure fiction. Although much of the story line involves angels, demons, vampires, werewolves and any other figure you can think of that mixes within those group, I have found them to be quick, easy, fun fiction to read. I guess, my Mortal Instruments pursuit is far from over with three more books coming soon.

Easy to see now what I mean about having three different books with three different contexts, topics, and points of life:

• 1 spiritual help/conviction regarding marriage
• 1 spiritual help/discussion on feminitiy
• 1 silly fiction

Yay for diversity in my reading corner - we'll see how much I accomplish in the next couple of weeks. But for now, this book worm is looking forward to the next time she can open one of those books and dive right in.

a Break but NO Slowing Down

Whoo hoo! Summer Trimester is complete- the grades are posted and I walked away with an A in Human Growth & Development and a B in Pathophysiology. I'll take it. Patho wasn't easy and with everything else asking for my attention throughout the summer & missing class twice while being in Ethiopia this past June, this nerd is proud of her B. Now I have a two and a half week break, which started as soon as my final ended at 730pm Thursday, August 12th... I am "free" from school until Wednesday, September 1st.

But the McGoo reality is that although I'm on break, there is NO slowing down! Some great stuff is around the corner for the McGoo's, as well as some typical beginning of Fall craziness.

Firstly, Mr. McGoo began PRESEASON today. I capitalize, bold, and increase the font of preseason because it is that big of a deal in our world. I will likely see Mr. McGoo very little over the next couple of weeks as he takes care of all the food and equipment for the University of Memphis Men's Soccer team during their 3-a-day practice routine that gears them up for a new season. You heard that right - 3 practices a day! Mr. McGoo will hit the ground running early and will be home later than 9pm most nights. So right when I have a moment of clarity to breath away from school - my hubby is gone. Funny how it works out that way!

Secondly, I am currently helping to plan, schedule, run, promote, gain rsvp's, advertise - whatever action word you want to choose - The University of Memphis Lady Tigers Soccer 2010 Alumni Weekend. Below is one of the flyers I made for the event. I'm pumped! With the help and direction of Alumni Guru who also happens to be one of my besties (we've known each other since we were 5 yrs old), we are working hard to get the momentum moving on our alumni group. This year it looks like we will have at least 23 ladies attending the weekend festivities, which is SOOO EXCITING. I look forward to share about the weekend once it's complete - but for now I'm helping to plan, organize, prepare, and hoping for success along the way!

And much much more to share at a later time (for a preview on one piece, check our Mr. McGoo's post), but for now, these two items are most pressing on the McGugan To Do List. There is some possible chatter with my mom about doing some sanding, priming, and trim painting in our living room - since we started that project AGES ago, it is definitely time to get the ball rolling again - before I get back to school... but only time will tell if we get to it! For now, we'll focus a bit on our Tiger Blue and see what the next few weeks produce.
GO TIGERS!!!

Why Is That?

In his most recent blog post, here, Mr. McGoo brought up a conversation we had the other night in which I stated that according to my Human Growth & Development Psychology class, "widowers are FOUR times more likely to get remarried than widows".

Ps. If you haven't read Mr. McGoo's post yet, you should - you might have PLENTY to comment on considering even the title of the post: Who Wears the Pants.

But anyway, this is my question... considering this statistic: widowers (men) are four times more likely to get remarried than widows (women)... what do YOU think is the reason that men are much more likely to remarry after the death of their spouse than women?

I know what the book said and what my thoughts are on the matter - but I'm curious of yours. Bring on the comments...

A Few More Days...

A few more days of buckling down and I'll be able to get some other things done without the distraction of school for a few weeks. Yup, I just completed my last two quizzes in one class and a little paper, I'll take the final for that one tomorrow night! This will give me a night and a half to cram for my Patho final (scary), Thursday night. I am then FREE to house clean, read, organize, write, piddle, or whatever I shall do for two weeks until the Fall 2010 Trimester begins, September 1st. Let the games begin...

I cannot believe the summer is over... Mr. McGoo starts his madness that is Pre-Season next week with the University of Memphis Men's Soccer Team and his Fall semester will be up and running at the end of the month. Fall is upon us, I can tell because Fantasy Football is ringing in the speaker of my hubby's phone, ahhh yes, the OTHER WOMAN, and football has begun to cover my TV.

Where did the summer go?

Family Time - Good for the Soul

This weekend we had our annual August Birthday celebration... the event was a bit earlier than usual due to one of the Wilson girls sadly heading to UT-Knoxville next week. But early was okay, because it still meant that we were all together. Family time is good for the soul.

We ate well... ohh too well... we laughed... and we even had a fur-baby play date. Good times - enjoy a few shots of the weekend below.

Mom & Dad - so cute!

The Wilson Ladies

August Birthdays - August 25th (twice) and August 30th

They are ADORABLE! And I think they know it!

Mr. & Mrs. McGoo

Sooo excited for Muddy's Mini-Cupcakes

One place our craziness came from...

The Furbabies - Dexter (ours) and our Fur-niece, his sister, Maeby

Kodi Bear

The NEW fur-nephew, Mak

Something New: Southwest Zucchini Boats

After meal planning for the next 15+ days and making our major grocery visit yesterday, I attempted a new dish this evening with some success. My first accomplishment, prior to anyone tasting the dish, was the fact that the entree I prepared looked exactly like the photo from the recipe magazine. This NEVER happens for me. Ever. So I was simply delighted by this and was ready to call it a success regardless of the taste.

I served the meal as shown to the left ... Southwest Zucchini Boats as the entree, served with a condiment of sour cream, a side of baked red potatoes, and a few grapes to Mr. McGoo and my youngest sis... Kelsey took the first bite and quickly gave her compliments. I took the second bite, my sis wasn't lying, and Mr. McGoo admitted that it was one of the best meals I've made. Hmmm...

So I gotta share this different treat.... hope you enjoy too.

Southwest Zucchini Boats

Prep/Total Time: 25 min.

Yield: 4 Servings

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchini
• 1 lb. ground beef - I used ground turkey instead
• 3/4 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro - didn't have it, so skipped it
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. pepper
• 1 cup (4 oz) shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
• Sour Cream, optional

Directions:

• Cut zucchini in half lengthwise; cut a thin slice from the bottom of each with a sharp knife to allow zucchini to sit flat. Scoop out pulp, leaving 1/4-in. shells. (Don't throw away the leftover zucchini pulp. Freeze and save it for zucchini bread later. Or add it to vegetable soups and stews.)
• Place shells in an ungreased 3-qt. microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 3 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain and set aside.
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef (turkey) over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Remove from the heat; stir in the salsa, bread crumbs, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup cheese. Spoon into zucchini shells.
• Microwave, uncovered, on high for 4 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Microwave 3-4 minutes longer or until cheese is melted and zucchini are tender. Serve with sour cream if desired.