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!