Happy April (and almost May), thin line fam! I know it’s the veryyyyy end of the month, but better late than never, right?
I don’t know about you, but these past few months have felt really heavy with everything going on in the world and our law enforcement community. And you know that saying “April showers bring May flowers”? I’ve been reminding myself that often times it’s darkest before dawn and that even though the world seems broken beyond repair, there’s still goodness all around us-we just have to look a little bit harder. I’ve been focusing on the little reminders of spring that have been popping up everywhere-the longer days, a little more sunshine, and small blooms here and there. Even in the dark and rainy days, I’m reminded that brighter days are ahead.
Unfortunately, 2024 is turning out to be aloooot like 2020 (AKA a huge doozy and full of political games and heartbreak for our LEO families) but I’m determined not to live this year focusing on only the negatives. I encourage you to seek out your joy wherever you can find it-an extra fancy cup of coffee on a tough day, a cookie for breakfast, a longer walk after church, too loud music while cooking dinner, or even just a weekend off of social media.
First responder life is not for the weak-but you already know that! Even on the days you don’t feel it, I hope you know how strong you are. You’re amazing!
Scroll down for the rest of this month’s newsletter, and if you’re not already subscribed and want these posts to come directly to your inbox, you can do so here.
Here’s the top three things y’all loved this past month:
ammo+grace: the devotional. My devotional keeps coming in as the number one linked product and I keep being completely blown away! I’m honored and humbled that so many of y’all have read this little piece of my heart.
Walking Shoes. Walking is my preferred form of exercise and self care, so I’m always on the lookout for comfy shoes! A couple of months ago I got this pair at my local Nordstrom Rack and they quickly became my absolute favorites!
Sweatshirt. This Lulu Lemon scuba dupe is my absolute favorite sweatshirt at the moment! It’s such good quality and hits just right-slightly cropped and boxy but still flattering. I have it in two colors but want them all!
Here’s the top 3 posts y’all engaged with the most this past month!
If you’re not already following along on Instagram, make sure to hop on board! My username is @ammoandgrace.
This month I launched some more fun a+g merch!
Yall loved hats so much we brought them back for a second preorder, and even though that is closed I’m hoping to bring one or two of the designs to the a+g shop full time. BUT…in the meantime, I’m reopening up preorders just for the newsletter fam! I ordered a small handful of extra hats this last drop, so if you want to snag one, head to the a+g shop ASAP!
Then, last week, I also brought a+g sticker packs back! Who was here in 2020 when the originals launched? There’s six sticker designs-a few redesigned from last time, a few new ones, and one original! They’re cute and tiny and perfect for on your water bottle, journal, or wherever you want to add a little bit of thin line support. They’re sold in packs to keep costs as low as possible-share them with your LEOW besties!
And, because my devotional has been selling out on Amazon, I ordered a few copies to have available in the shop! You can get signed copies of a+g: the devotional here.
You can use code “stickers” for free shipping on any sticker pack! See them all here.
This month’s “shortcut supper” is a super easy twist on taco night! We eat some type of taco/burrito bowl/quesadilla almost every week-they’re simple, have all the important ingredients (protein, veggies) that are usually in our fridge, and are easily customizable to each family member.
The other week we had taco night, then burrito bowl leftovers for lunch, and then still had a bit of ingredients left to use! I decided to make these baked tacos to use up the rest of our chicken and beans but in a sliiiightly different way.
Here’s what you need for crispy oven baked tacos:
Chicken (I usually use leftover rotisserie chicken that I shred) or ground beef
Shredded cheese (whichever kind you prefer, we like Colby Jack)
Taco seasoning (homemade or packets, my favorite prepackaged is the Siete brand)
Black beans (or whatever beans you have and like, including refried!)
Street taco sized corn tortillas (or whichever you prefer)
Dipping sauce (we love mixing Greek yogurt and salsa together-just stir it up together until you get the taste and consistency you like!)
Preheat your oven to 400°. Mix your chicken, beans, and taco seasoning together. Lay your corn tortillas out on a cookie sheet covered in parchment paper (because helloooo less dishes) and then top half of each circle with your chicken mixture. Bake in the oven (open faced) for 3-5ish minutes, or until the filling seems quite warm. Add shredded cheese to the topping side of your tortilla, then fold in half, creating a half circle. Flip it over (so the heaviness of the topping weighs it down) and spray the exposed tortilla with cooking spray (we use avocado oil spray). Return to the oven for 3-5 more minutes, then flip the tacos over and repeat with the oil on the other side, baking for a few more minutes or until warmed through and crispy. Once you pull them out of the oven they will continue to cook and firm up. Serve them with creamy salsa (recipe above), cilantro, sour cream, smashed avocado, jalapeños-whatever sounds good! Enjoy!
This month’s featured “blue book” is not actually a blue book but a Bible study! Seamless is a great way to understand the Bible in its entirety and how each story is woven together. I completed this study years and years ago (see my original review from 2019 here) and still reference it from time to time. If you’re looking to build your understanding of the Bible and dive a little bit deeper, this could be a great book for you! It’s available here.
Because this month’s newsletter is going out on a Sunday, I thought it was perfect for the devo to be a prayer about church from my ebook, The Praying Police Wife. Reminder: you can find it here using code “BLUEFAM” for just $5!
Lord, today I am struggling to go to church alone. I
know that my officer is needed and is right where they are supposed to be, but still I wish that they could be in the pew next to me this morning. Help me get out the door and to church today. Push aside my worries and hesitations, and lessen any obstacles that might come in my way. I may be alone in the car or in my seat, but I know that Your presence will be right alongside me. Help me worship You with my entire heart, and be glad in all circumstances, including attending church without my officer today. Thank You for loving me, God. In Your name I pray, amen.
