The Power of Spoken Blessings

Mentor Mom Devotional by Mary Timmers

 

In Place of a major life overhaul--an maybe you need it, try using a blessing to bring peace and calm.

 

God gave this blessing to the Israelites for a good reason. He wanted them to remember it and then USE IT OVER AND OVER. It's an example of w hat a blessing looks like, but we can always come up with our own.

 

The important thing is to take God and His qualities and personalize them and then place them up to the person you want to receive God's blessing.

 

One for your child going to sleep at night is:

 

"Johnny, May God give to you deep and refreshing sleep.  May He bring dreams of you walking with Him in beautiful places. May you rest in Him tonight and all day tomorrow.  Love and peace be with you as you close your eyes."

 

These are the last words your child will hear from you before he falls asleep.

Maybe you're thinking "Oh yeah, you don't know my kid.  He might hear many more words from me before he finally goes to sleep." :)

 

Here's my challenge to you.  Keep doing this every night. Say a blessing over your children, to your teenager as they go out the door to school, to your husband as he leaves for work, and see how God blesses you and your loved one!

-Mary

Burlap Christmas Wreath

We all had the chance to get crafty and make a cute burlap wreath for our homes. Here are a few pictures of our moms helping each other and having fun making the wreath. Here is a link to the tutorial in case you missed it:-) Burlap Wreath

This Iis what the wreath looks like!

Bunco

You may have seen on the mops FB page that tables 3 and 4 were getting together to play bunco. You may have wondered, “what in the world is bunco” Well, it is basically a dice game. There is no skill involved (other than trying to keep track of your score while talking, but, hey, that is why we kept our tallies- right ladies). It is a fun reason to have a girls night and have some good food and conversation. And, that is what we did.

We enjoyed it so much we have decided to try to do it monthly starting in January. So, mark your calendars for the next night (open to all) which will be January 16^th. Courtney Bradshaw has offered to host. More details will come. 

Here are a couple pics from the evening as well as the recipe for what I now know are called the official bunco sandwiches.

Baked Ham Sandwiches

Sandwiches:
24 dollar buns
1 lb sliced swiss cheese
1 1/2- 2 lbs sliced honey ham

Sauce:
1 cup butter
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp poppy seeds
4 tsp Brown sugar
 Boil sauce and let cool

Place buns in rectangular cake pans (12 in each 9x13)- used 1 1/2-2 slices of ham and 3/4 slice of cheese on each
Spoon cooled sauce over top of sandwiches then cover with tin foil and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Bake for 20 minutes covered with tin foil, then remove and bake for 5 more minutes.

There is a little bit of a variation with this recipe (uses Hawaiian rolls and mustard)
http://www.recipelion.com/Sandwiches/Bunco-Buns

A Prayer for our Beautiful Mommy Mess'

A Prayer for the Ephesians

¹⁴ For this reason I kneel before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every family^[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. ¹⁶ I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:14-21

What you want is not always what you need, tune yourself into what God wants to teach you, and you will see what God has in store for you EVERYWHERE!!  Remember your mess does not disqualify you from sharing your story. There is hope in every story...even yours!!

Breakfast Pasta

If you are looking for something different to make for your next family brunch get together or you want to mix it up a bit for breakfast time here is a yummy breakfast pasta you can try that Joanna shared with us at our last MOPS meeting!! ENJOY!!

 

Breakfast Pasta

Serves 4 to 6
Ingredients:
1 lb linguine
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ lb baby new potatoes, quartered
1 medium yellow onion, diced
½ red bell pepper, diced
½ green bell pepper, diced
1 tablespoons fresh thyme, minced
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
4 eggs plus 2 egg whites, lightly beaten
2/3 cup cheddar cheese, grated
½ lb bacon, cooked and crumbled

Directions:
1. Place a large pot, filled with water, over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
2. Once the water has come to a boil, drop the pasta in along with a small handful of salt (about 3 tablespoons).
3. Cook the pasta for 7 to 9 minutes or until al dente, stirring frequently.
4. Drain the pasta, toss with a small amount of oil and set aside.
5. Place the olive oil in a large sauté pan and place over medium heat.
6. Add the potatoes to the pan and season with salt and pepper.
7. Sauté for 5 minutes and add the onion, bell peppers and thyme. Season with salt/pepper and stir.
8. Sauté the mixture for 6 to 8 minutes or until the onions and peppers have softened and the potatoes become fork tender.
9. Pour the mixture into a bowl and set aside.
10. Place the pan back on the stove over medium heat and add the tablespoon of butter.
11. Pour the beaten eggs to the pan and gently scramble for about 2 minutes.
12. Add the cheese and stir. The mixture should still be a partially runny.
13. Add the linguine and potato mixture to the pan and toss together until everything is fully combined and the eggs have cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
14. Sprinkle the bacon over the pasta and serve hot.

Girlfriends Guide to Friendship

Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family. Proverbs 18: 24 (The Message):   speaker Jen Zick

Signs of a healthy friendship:•You feel loved and accepted as you. You don’t have to prove anything.
•You are comfortable being open and honest with your friend.
•When you think of spending time with this person, you smile.
•Your memories of time spent with this person bring you joy.
•You can be real about your faith, your convictions and values (even if they don’t share the same beliefs).
•Your friendship doesn’t tempt you to sin or compromise your values.
•Your friend protects your confidences, and shares hers with you.
•Your feel like a better, brighter version of yourself when you spend time with this person.

Signs of an unhealthy relationship
•You feel judged, or that you need to prove yourself (clothes, house, decisions about raising your children, marriage, etc.)
•You hold back on things you’d like to say, because you’re afraid that your friend will be defensive or angry. (Beyond the normal filtering.)
•When you think of spending time with this person, you feel tired. You may create excuses to avoid them.
•Your memories of time spent with this person are dull or regretful.
•You don’t talk about your faith, convictions or values.
•You find yourself in situations or environments that aren’t “true to you” –where you may be tempted to sin or compromise values.
•You can’t trust this person with your confidences.
•You feel like a worn-out, lesser version of yourself when you spend time with this person.

THE MOST IMPORTANT FRIENDSHIP
Is Jesus my BFF?

1. Have you invited Jesus into your life and heart, and asked him to forgive your sins? Are you confident that if you died today, you would spend eternity with Him in heaven?

2. Do you know his love for you? Do you feel that love alive inside of you in how you relate to others?

3. Do you make time for Jesus? Are you proactively investing in your relationship with Him?

4. Have you asked him to be at work in you, and in every one of your relationships, for His glory?

 If you are not sure of your salvation in Jesus, you can be today –It’s the MOST important decision you’ll ever make. Perhaps you have invited Jesus into your life, but you have not prioritized your relationship with him. He’s reaching out to you, but you’ve been drifting away, caught up in your own life. If you have not made Jesus your BFF, now is the time. Make him #1 on your list of friends to proactively seek out.

What friends might God be bringing across your path? What opportunities might you have to make a Christian connection or minister to a non-believer in your communities? Make a list of your primary communities below (MOPS, neighborhood, church, school, workplace, clubs, activities, other). Next to these items, jot down any actions you feel God is leading you to take to connect with others (i.e. Invite Jake’s mom to MOPS). If you’re not sure, just pray that God would lead you and help you to keep an open heart and open eyes.

A Beautiful Mess

Theme phrase:For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Verse: Ephesians 2:10 (New Living Translation)
Addressing the felt needs of moms through this theme:
Moms live in messes. The toys, crumbs, and spit-up are their natural surroundings. Moms often feel like a mess. They are exhausted, under-showered, and hormonal. Their past and present circumstances and decisions can leave them feeling inadequate for God’s love and purposes.

A Beautiful Mess — reminds moms that beauty can come out of their difficult spots. The grime of mothering young children brings the beauty of motherhood. The bruises of life can bring God’s redemption.

Embrace Your Story — reminds moms that their past, present and future can be used for good. God knows where each of us has been, where we are today and has set in motion where we are headed.

 

Why MOPS?

Woodcrest MOPS exists to encourage, equip and develop every mother of preschoolers to realize her potential as a woman, mother and leader. We strive to develop meaningful relationships through small groups and to share our love of Jesus Christ.

Where is MOPS?

Woodcrest MOPS meets at Woodcrest Church in Eagan. You do not have to be a member of Woodcrest Church to be a member of MOPS. All are welcome!
525 Cliff Rd
Eagan, MN 55123
Find out more about the church and all the ministries there at Mops of Woodcrest

Join Us!

If you are interested in joining the Woodcrest MOPS group, or if you have additional questions, please contact Krissa Lusk by e-mail at krissaa@hotmail.com

Verses to Reflect On

MOPS 2012-2013

 1 Peter 4:8-11

Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it.  Love makes up for practically anything.  Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless- cheerfully.  Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it; if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help.  That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything- encores to the end of time.  Oh, yes!

Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Philippians 4:11

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

 Philippians 4:13-

“I can do everything in him who gives me strength”

 Hebrews 10:36

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 

 Isaiah 40:31

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

 James 1:2-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Romans 5:3-4

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

 1 Corin 10:13

 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.  And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But, when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

 Exodus 33:14

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

 Psalm 16:8

I keep my eyes always on the Lord.  With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

 Psalm 61:1-3

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.  From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.  For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against my foe.

 Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soles.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

 1 Peter 3:3-4

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.  Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 

 John 14:27-

“I leave my peace with you.  I give my peace to you.  I do not give it to you as the world does.  Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.”

 Colossians 1:9b-10-

“. . . ask god to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way

 Psalm 46:1-

God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble”

 Malachi 3:6-

For I am the Lord; I do not change

 Deut 31:6-

 Be strong and courageous.  Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you.  He will not leave you or forsake you.

 Prov 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your ways, and he will make your paths straight.

 Psalm 103:12-

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

 Isaiah 41:10-

So do not be afraid, I am with you.  Do not be terrified.  I am your God.  I will make you strong and help you.  My powerful right hand will take good care of you.

 

 

Egg Boats N Salads

Baked Egg Boats
Makes 4

Ingredients:
4 demi sourdough baguettes
5 eggs
1/3 cup heavy cream
4 ounces pancetta, finely chopped and fried until crisp
3 ounces gruyere cheese, grated
2 green onions, thinly sliced
salt and pepper to taste

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Cut a deep “V” through the tops of each baguette until about a 1/2 inch to the bottom. Partially unstuff the baguettes. Set aside.
3. Place the eggs and cream into a mixing bowl and lightly beat together. Whisk in the remaining ingredients and lightly season with salt and pepper.
4. Divide and pour the mixture into each baguette boat and place onto a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown, puffed and set in the center. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes, cut and serve.

I can see all kinds of fun combinations with mushrooms, spinach, sausage you name it… Anything that would normally work in an omelet would be lovely.

 

 

Cashew Chicken Salad

Dressing

½ Cup Sour Cream

½ Cup Mayo

½ Cup Miricle Whip

½ Packet Ranch Seasoning

…Mix In A Large Bowl

…Add Dill, Salt & Pepper to Taste

Salad

½ Box Med Shells, Cooked

1 Box Tyson Pre-cooked Chicken

2 Green Onions, Diced

½ Can (Small) Peas

1 ½ Chopped Celery

…Mix Into Large Bowl with Dressings

…Chill Overnight

…Before Serving Top with Paprika and Cashews

Domestic Diva Devo

Domestic Diva.

mentor mom devotion by Misty

I wouldn’t even know how to define that term. I do like to make meals for my family from scratch. However, I am the least crafty person I know. As a matter of fact, when I was a MOPS mom, I avoided doing the craft. And we had a craft every week! I feel that there is even more pressure on moms to be “Pinterest” moms. So, today, I thought we would look at who we are in Christ.
These are adapted from a post written by Joyce Meyers:
*We are God’s children for we are born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God, which lives and abides forever. (1Peter 1:23)
*We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ to do good works. (Ephesians 2:10)
*We are joint-­‐heirs with Christ. (Romans 8:17)
*We are overcomers by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.
(Revelation 12:11)
*We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possessions, that we may declare praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His wonderful light.
(1 Peter 2:9)
We are royalty. We are princesses, girls! However, I know that we all have insecurities. If you are feeling insecure and unworthy, those are the lies of Satan. Our true identity is in our Creator.
In Genesis, the Bible tells us that Jacob waited seven years to marry Rachel but to him it seemed only like a day because of his love for her. I feel fairly certain that we all have the desire to be loved like that. Whether or not we find that kind of love in this life, we will have a King who loves us desperately and will have an eternity with Him. We are the brides of Christ!

Cinnamon Baked French Toast

recipe from The Pioneer Woman

 

Thank you Sarah Brass for finding this yummy recipe and giving it a try for our meeting this morning. After the first bite everyone fell in love:) It even made the room smell delish!! A little secret she shared with us at our table is instead of sourdough bread she used wheat bread from the Great Harvest Bread Co!! Enjoy:)

Ingredients

French Toast:

1 loaf Crusty Sourdough Or French Bread
8 whole Eggs
2 cups Whole Milk
1/2 cup Whipping (heavy) Cream
3/4 cups Sugar
2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract

Topping:
1/2 cup All-purpose Flour
1/2 cup Firmly Packed Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1 stick Cold Butter, Cut Into Pieces
Fresh Fruit (optional)

Preparation Instructions

Grease 9 x 13-inch baking pan with butter. Tear bread into chunks (or cut into cubes) and evenly distribute in the pan.
Mix together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla. Pour evenly over bread. Cover tightly and store in the fridge several hours or overnight.
In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add nutmeg if desired. Add butter pieces and but into the dry mixture until mixture resembles fine pebbles. Store in a Ziploc in the fridge.
When you're ready to bake the casserole, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove casserole from oven and sprinkle crumb mixture over the top. (If you're using fruit, sprinkle on before the crumb mixture.) Bake for 45 minutes for a softer, more bread pudding texture. Bake 1 hour or more for a firmer, less liquid texture.
Scoop out individual portions. Top with butter and drizzle with maple syrup

Make N Take fun!

Taco Seasoning (makes a single serving)

1 Tbsp chili powder

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (we omitted)

 1/4 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp paprika

1.5 tsp ground cumin

1/2 to 1 tsp sea salt (more or less to taste)

1 tsp black pepper

1. In small bowl, mix all ingredients and store in airtight container. (Or you can mix it together in the container you are going to store it in–just give it a shake!) 2. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of this mixture plus 1/2 to 3/4 cup of water to one pound of cooked meat (of your choice). Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently until there is very little liquid left in the pan.

Ranch:

5 tablespoons dried minced onions

7 teaspoons parsley flakes

4 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Mix together and store in an air tight container.

For dressing: Mix 2 tablespoons dry mix with 1 cup mayonnaise and 1 cup buttermilk or sour cream.

For dip: Mix 2 tablespoons dry mix with 2 cups sour cream.

Mix up a few hours before serving, so the flavors all blend.

Hummus

4 garlic cloves

2 cups canned chickpeas, drained, liquid reserved

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/3 cup tahini (sesame paste)

6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)

2 tablespoons water or liquid from the chickpeas

8 dashes hot sauce (we omitted)

Turn on the food processor fitted with the steel blade and drop the garlic down the feed tube; process until it's minced. Add the rest of the ingredients to the food processor and process until the hummus is coarsely pureed. Taste, for seasoning, and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Powdered Laundry Detergent (16 heavy loads)

1 cup grated Fels Naptha Soap

½ cup washing soda

½ cup borax

Mix together and pour into container

For light load, use 1 tablespoon, for heavy or soiled, use 2 tablespoons

Powdered Dishwasher Detergent

Equal parts baking soda and borax

One load = 2 Tbs

Homemade Eczema Cream/Skin Moisturizer

¼ cup of oats

¾ cup of coconut oil

few drops of rosemary oil (optional)

1 tbsp of olive oil

Finely grind the oats to a powder/flour consistency and set aside. (You can use a blender, food processor or Magic Bullet type of appliance)

Over a low heat, melt the coconut oil in a pan until it has a liquid consistency.

Add in a few drops of rosemary oil (optional)

Add ground oats in the pan and mix until well blended

Now pour the olive oil into the mixture until blended

Once all the ingredients are mixed, remove from heat and pour into a small storage container. Let it harden for several hours.

Apply to hands and skin as needed.

mentor mom devo Romans 12:15

Romans 12:15 “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”  

I love being able to celebrate good things happening in a friend’s life. But how can I begin to help a friend who is going through something difficult?

 Sometimes it feels easiest to pretend that nothing has happened, to say nothing, do nothing. I can justify it by telling myself that I don’t know what to say and it is probably better to just stay out of it. Has that worked for you? For decades I regretted not saying anything to a classmate whose father had died suddenly. I came to realize that my lack of knowing what to say was much less important than his pain.

 A big first step is to listen to what your friend feels comfortable with sharing. Look for a time when the two of you can talk without others around. Instead of asking how she is, try asking how she feels about something. Each of us reacts to things differently. What can be small to one may be a deep grief to another. The important thing is to listen to her, to acknowledge her pain, and to listen without giving answers.

 Respect how much she feels like sharing and don’t push for more than she wants to give. Focus on her. Remember that what she shares is private. Ask before sharing with another person. The only exception to this would be if you felt your friend was in danger of hurting herself or another. If you are feeling overwhelmed, it may be appropriate to suggest she get help from a professional. There should be no shame in asking for help.

 A hug might be the best thing you could give.

 Be sensitive to her. If you have something to share that may be painful for her to hear, let her know the news privately before sharing it in front of a group or sending the news electronically. If you can think of some practical service to offer your friend, and are able to give it, offer. Could she use a meal? Would an hour or two of childcare help? Pick something up at a store? Ask her what would be helpful.  Sometimes a short note of encouragement can be wonderful. Take the time to write out a special verse that has encouraged you.

 I asked the other mentor moms for any suggestions they might have, and Mary mentioned women like to get stuff and bringing a small gift of something that is your favorite is a practical thing. A gift card, even in a small amount says you took the time and made the effort.

 Letting others know you will be praying for them is good, but Mary also had a wonderful suggestion. “Instead of saying ‘I’ll pray for you’, say ‘May I pray for you right now?’ And then do it. This can be scary, especially for people who are not comfortable praying out loud in front of others. But this is the time to get over that and realize what comfort and peace come from hands on, face to face delivering of blessing from God. Make it simple. Be honest. ‘Lord, I’m not so good at praying out loud, but I love______, and I’m asking you to bless her with Your comfort and peace.’ The enemy hates when we do this and would much rather we go away and then forget that we promised to pray. Obedience is stretching, but we need that.”

 I’ve realized over the years that I want to make a difference in someone else’s life, but that shouldn’t be my focus. If I am intent on making someone feel better, I’m more focused on myself than them. It is better for me to remember that while God can use me in the life of a friend, He is the only one that can bring healing.

I recently came across a new translation of the Bible called “The Voice” and love how 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 reads. “All praise goes to God, Father of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. He is the Father of compassion, the God of all comfort. He consoles us as we endure the pain and hardship of life so that we may draw from His comfort and share it with others in their own struggles.”

 As I finish today, I’d like to pray a prayer from Ephesians. “Father, out of Your honorable and glorious riches, strengthen Your people. Fill their souls with the power of Your Spirit so that through faith the Anointed One will reside in their hearts. May love be the rich soil where their lives take root. May it be the bedrock where their lives are founded so that together with all of Your people they will have the power to understand that the love of the Anointed is infinitely long, wide, high, and deep, surpassing everything anyone previously experienced. God, may Your fullness flood through their entire beings. Now to the God who can do so many awe-inspiring things, immeasurable things, things greater than we ever could ask or imagine through the power at work in us, to Him be all glory in the church and in Jesus the Anointed from this generation to the next, forever and ever. Amen.”

Spinach Salad with Avocado-Ranch Dressing

 Here is the recipe everyone has been raving about from our meeting this morning!! Thank you Amber for making this yummy salad!! She found the recipe from eatingwell.com and said her trick with the dressing was instead of blending the dressing in a blender, she used an emulsifier to make the dressing a little thicker/creamier.

 INGREDIENTS

1 ripe avocado, halved and pitted, divided

1/2 cup buttermilk

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or 2 teaspoons dried

1 tablespoon white vinegar

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1 5- to 6-ounce package baby spinach (about 8 cups)

1 medium red bell pepper, sliced

1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed

PREPERATION

Scoop 1 avocado half into a blender; add buttermilk, dill, vinegar, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Puree until smooth.Cut the remaining avocado half into 1/2-inch chunks. Combine spinach, bell pepper and chickpeas in a large bowl. Add the dressing; toss to coat. Divide among 4salad plates and top with the chopped avocado.

Yummy Desserts

We had a few yummy desserts on Friday and thought they were a must for your recipe box! Enjoy!!

Butterscotch Bars with Chocolate and Disappearing Marshmallows

Ingredients

1 c. butterscotch chips
1/2 c. unsalted butter
1-1/2 c. all-purpose flour

2/3 c. packed brown sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2-1/2 c. mini marshmallows

2 c. semi sweet chocolate chips

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°. Spray the bottom and sides of a 9'' x 13'' pan with cooking spray and set aside.

In a large sauce pan over medium low heat, melt the butterscotch chips and butter, stirring constantly. Remove from heat to cool.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Add vanilla and eggs to the butterscotch mixture and stir well. Then add the flour mixture and stir to combine. Fold in the marshmallows and chocolate chips, just until combined. Spread into prepared pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, taking care to not over bake. (I think they're best when just slightly under-baked!) The edges should be browned nicely, and the center not quite set. The bars will firm upon cooling.

Raspberry Cappicino Mousse


Ingredients
 2-1/2 cups cold milk
 1/3 cup Hazelnut flavored instant coffee granules
 2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 carton (16 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
 2 loaves (10-3/4 ounces each) frozen pound cake, thawed and cubed
1 ounce semisweet chocolate, grated
2 packs of fresh Raspberries

 Directions
 In a large bowl, stir milk and coffee granules until dissolved; remove 1/2cup and set aside. Add pudding mixes to the remaining milk mixture; beat on low speed for 2 minutes (mixture will be thick). Fold in half of the whipped topping. Place a third of the cake cubes in a 4-qt. serving or trifle bowl. Layer with a third of the reserved milk mixture, pudding mixture and raspberries, and cover with grated chocolate. Repeat layers twice. Garnish with remaining whipped topping and chocolate. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Spa Day

What a way to kick off the new year with a Spa Day at MOPS! Hope everyon had fun and felt pampered. Here is the info for businesses that provided services for our pampering day!!

 

Stacy Hermann is the owner of Stacy's Salon in Mendota Heights. She offers haircuts, perms, colors/foils, manicures and facial waxing. She is open for appointments Wednesday and Thursday evenings, Friday afternoons and some Saturdays. 651-686-0574

Keep In Touch Massage - Eagan
3424 Denmark Avenue
Eagan, MN 55123
651-452-0246

 

Krissa Lusk does the Shellac Gel Nails contact her via email for any future nail services: krissaa@hotmail.com

 

 

Berry Yogurt Mask 

Step 1

In a blender, combine 2 tablespoons plain yogurt and 2 tablespoons honey, and pulse until fully combined.

Step 2

Add 1/4 cup mixed berries, pureeing until smooth, then add 1 tablespoon lemon juice.

Step 3

Using your hands, apply mixture to a clean, dry face. Let mask sit 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse face thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.

 

ENJOY!!!

God is NOT an ATM, Prayer is More Thank Asking

We had the honor of have Stevie Borne shared a powerful reminder to us before the holidays that God is not just an ATM and gave us 3 good pointers on how we can communicate with God.

1. Pray the names of God. Exodus 17
     God, Lord LORD
     El Shadai- praying to God whre nothing is impossible
     Yaweh-You are a banner over me
     Adoni- God is with us!

2. Using Scripture as a meditative form Isaiah 21:1-4

A Message concerning the desert at the sea:

As tempests drive through the Negev Desert,
coming out of the desert, that terror-filled place,
A hard vision is given me:
The betrayer betrayed, the plunderer plundered.
Attack, Elam!
Lay siege, Media!
Persians, attack!
Attack, Babylon!
I’ll put an end to
all the moaning and groaning.
Because of this news I’m doubled up in pain,
writhing in pain like a woman having a baby,
Baffled by what I hear,
undone by what I see.
Absolutely stunned,
horror-stricken,
I had hoped for a relaxed evening,
but it has turned into a nightmare.

Meaning: what did this scripture mean to you?
Word/Phrase: find a word or phrase that stuck out to you...why?
Response: After reading this passage what do you want to tell God?
Rest in God's presence: read the passage again and then sit in silence listening to God.

3. Listening prayer
   find a quiet place and as you are praying listen to what God is telling you. It just might a little snippet of something.

Questions to reflect on:
How does it feel to spend time just being silent before God?
What is your biggest challenge when it comes to goingdeeper in your prayer life?
What is one thing you want to do differently in your prayer life?