Calvary Community MOPS

Our final meeting...

2010-05-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

Well....the year has reached its end! I cannot believe how fast it went.

You have all been such a rich blessing to me, personally, and to the leadership team. We were so grateful to have been given such a kind, generous, loving group of women to serve. You surely made it easy!!!

We pray, with everything in us, that you were transformed into a refined version of your beautiful self this year. Our intention from the beginning of the year was to love on you and trust God to teach you and encourage you in whatever way was necessary for you, through us and the MOPS ministry. He did it for me so I am trusting He did it for you, too!

We pray that you have a wonderful summer with your families, that He meets your every need (inside and out) and brings us back together in the fall.

Thanks for being my sweet companion on this adventure!

With all my love,

Sara Guilfoyle

Your MOPS Coordinator

Summer Cookin!

2010-04-26T13:32:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you all, but I hate cooking in the summer time. Don't get me wrong, I love to cook, but the majority of my cooking involves standing over a hot stove/oven. Stir-frying meat and veggies means standing over a hot wok, or making a casserole means having a hot oven heating up the house. The last thing I want on a hot summer day is to get all hot and sweaty or to heat up our house, so here's a simple salad that you can make if you're feeling to hot to "cook" dinner! I will be the first to admit that the combination of salmon, blue cheese, pears, maple syrup, dijon mustard, and vinegar sound like the craziest combination ever, but I promise it's good!!! All those flavors really do compliment each other somehow. And, the salmon makes it a full meal. Serve with your favorite kind of crusty bread. Enjoy!

(P.S. It's an awesome and easy meal to make for company - plus it looks all fancy when it's all put together, so you walk away looking like a gourmet chef without much effort! Hee hee!)

Salmon and Pear Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

Serves 4-6

(the salad was adapted from this Real Simple recipe: http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/arugula-pear-salad-maple-vinaigrette-10000001132435/ , salmon was added by my friend!)

Ingredients

Salmon (however much you like to eat - I tend to make about half a large fillet)

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 bag of any kind of dark green leafy veggie (spinach, arugula, baby greens, etc.)

1-2 pears, unpeeled (or peeled), thinly sliced (I like bartlett, but any pears work)

1/2 cup (3 ounces) blue cheese, crumbled

Directions

Season and cook salmon however you like to. I tend to salt and pepper both sides, and then bake it at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Let sit for a few minutes before cutting into individual-sized servings. If you like to grill, put it on a sheet of tin foil, and toss it on the grill!

In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisking constantly, slowly add the oil; set aside.

Arrange the greens on individual plates and top with the pear, salmon, and blue cheese. Drizzle with the vinaigrette. Serve!

MOPS Mom: Lois Stolee

A life transformed

2010-03-19T16:48:00.001-07:00

A few months ago my life was a mess. My marriage was falling apart and I was emotionally drained. I can admit that a lot of the problems I was going through were based on my own actions and I take full responsibility for the mistakes I made. Then something happened. I decided to finally accept an invite from an old friend. She had asked me previously to attend her group and I always found reasons not to go. The main reason was because it was at a church and I had huge reservations about entering a church even though she swore it was not a "God thing". I questioned how God could be. If there was a God, why was he not taking care of me and my family? God is supposed to provide and take care of you. But my life was a total wreck and everyday it was getting worse. There could be no God that would do that.

But I agreed to attend this group to see what it was all about. After all, it couldn't kill me, right? So I went. I sat and listened to the speaker talk about meal planning. I didn't really contribute anything to the conversation or really think I would go back. And no, it was not too much of a religious activity. We prayed before we ate and again before we left, but that was about the extent of anything having to do with God. And even though I left there not really feeling a connection to this new group of women and moms I decided right then that I would go back. If for nothing else, just to get out of the house for a few hours.

At home nothing was changing. My marriage was even worse and my kids were resentful that Daddy was not at home anymore. Christmas had just passed and I lay in bed one night realizing that it was the first Christmas in over 10 years that I had not spent with my husband. He had been deployed three times in our marriage and had missed birthdays and anniversaries, but this was the first Christmas we had not spend together since we were a couple. And this was at our own will! How could we have gone from wanting so much to be together all the time and missing each other over the deployments to deciding to spend this holiday apart? So I did something that I had not done in a very long time. I prayed. I cried as I told God what I wanted and how unfair it was that this was happening. I asked God to prove what he was. To show me. To make me believe.

At our next meetings the topics began to change. The speakers told us about honoring our husbands and our marriage through Christ. At home things began to improve. Brent (my husband) came home. We were talking and listening to each other and my girls were happy to have their Daddy home. I asked Brent to go to church with me. He laughed at me and that was the end of the conversation. I still had a lot of questions and over the next few days questioned that maybe it was just a coincidence that I was getting my family back and not the conversation I had in my bed that night a few weeks before. So I asked God to show me more (if there was a God this would be simple right?).

Our next meeting took a huge turn towards talking about God. Another coincidence? No. Not for a second did I think that was a coincidence. I asked God to show me and prove to me what He could do. And He did! I asked God to help me get my family back and I got them back. I asked God to show me more and He did. I sat and listened in almost disbelief. The friend who had invited me to that first meeting months ago explained why this was our topic. In all there were cancellations and other circumstances that were causing the group to become more of a bible study. I asked God to make me believe and he did. He showed me what he could do and he was showing me how powerful he was and I knew right then it was only the beginning.

When my husband came home that night I told him about the topic of the day. He didn't really have much to say. He told me I didn't have to go back if I didn't want to. I didn't say anything to him about what I had asked of God or that God was showing and proving himself to me. Honestly, I thought he would think I was nuts! But a few days later I got a text message from my husband telling me he thought I should continue going. That he thought it had been really good for me and for us. He even told me to go buy a bible (which I did). I asked him again, a few days later, if he would consider going to church as a family. Again, he laughed and that was the end of the conversation.

I know God didn't do any of this on his own. I could have prayed and prayed to have my husband and family back, but if I wouldn't have acted on what I wanted nothing would have happened. At least, not in the way it did. Quoting my friend and speaker from today: We have to be active participants in what we want and what we are asking for. God gave me the strength to bring my husband home. He gave me the strength to go to that first meeting. And if the speakers that were scheduled to speak hadn't have canceled then our topics wouldn't have turned towards the Bible. I feel strong and my life is peaceful and good. I believe and have faith in God.

I know I have a lot to learn and I can't wait.

Now, for my husband...

By Melissa F.

Why I love MOPS

2010-03-19T16:47:00.000-07:00

I remember attending my first MOPS meeting last year. I didn't know what to expect. I was nervous, scared and excited. Would they like me? Would I like it? Will I fit in? My husband and I had begun attending Calvary last March. I had heard about MOPS from a close friend who lost her husband to cancer in 2006. She said her Mops family helped her and her kids through the toughest time in her life. She said some of her best friends she has made through MOPS so I decided to give it a try. What could be better than to meet other moms, to share stories, faith and make new friendships? That's what I was hoping for. To know that I am not alone in struggling to be a good parent, one that God would approve of. Am I too strict? Am I too lenient? Am I doing this right? Do I overreact? Worry too much? (And yes, by the way, I do! I am working on that one) Am I a good mom? A good wife? A good daughter and friend? Are my boys' behaviors normal? I wanted to share my experiences too with others who might have the same questions. I already had many wonderful, loving friends before joining MOPS now God has blessed me with so many more. My expectations were beyond what I could imagine. I have met the most kind, warm-hearted, selfless women here at MOPS. I am so happy to be a part of this group. I look forward to our meetings, to see my friends and have 'me' time. I have made many wonderful friendships here and I feel loved and like I belong here. I can be my goofy, real self here. So I want to thank all of you wonderful ladies for welcoming me. This is why I love MOPS!

Julie Sherman table #2

Worry

2010-02-24T18:58:00.000-08:00

As a wife and mom, I think that worry is part of the job description. We worry about our husbands, our marriage, our children, our family, our friends, you name it and we probably worry about it.

The worry cycle tends to hit me late at night right before I try and sleep. In the stillness of the night, when all of the craziness of the day stops, the little voice in my head starts up. You know the one…it's the tiny little voice that starts to question every decision that you made that day. The funny thing about this voice is this: once you pay attention to it, it gets louder and more obnoxious.

Fear of the unknown is the main theme through all of my worry. Especially if our family is under stress, this cycle seems to be exacerbated. Did the electric bill get paid? Are we going to be within our budget this week? Is Pat (my husband) happy with me? His job? Is he going to be able to keep this job? Are the kids safe? Healthy? Happy? Am I doing enough as a wife? Mom? Friend?

You get the idea.

Pat and I have been married for almost 6 years now. It seems that we have gone through more in these six years than most couples do in a lifetime. We have had job loss, child custody issues with my husband’s children, a deployment, birth of our children, several major moves, tragic loss of beloved family members, health issues, serious kid issues, my Mom’s cancer, (not once, but twice!), and financial hardship just to name a few. There were many nights that I was not able to sleep…I would worry. And the crazy thing was that I was worrying about things that were completely out of my control.

Growing up, my Mom always told me that “God is not the author of confusion.” I never got it. One day not too terribly long ago, I was pouring out my heart to my Mom on the phone. Things were just crazy in my house, and I was not handling it well. She told me it again…and this time, I heard her.

“God is not the author of confusion, but of peace…” (1 Corinthians 14:33) It took me some time to work this one out. So if God wasn’t the author of confusion, who was? Ooooohhhhhh. Sneaky little devil. Really? Satan? It all just made so much sense. Who else would love to undermine my marriage? My family? My belief in myself? My belief in God? My faith?

Once I came to this realization, it was amazing how quickly my worries weren’t so big or so many. God wants us to trust him. Period. He wants us to trust in His plan for our lives and for our families. Is it easy to do? No…especially if you are a control freak like I am. Even better, He wants our worries. “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 souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11 28-30)

I have learned that when that little voice starts, it is time to start praying. I pray with an open and exposed heart and give it all to God. I tell Him everything that I am worried about, no matter how silly it seems. I pray for strength and wisdom so that I may make good choices. I pray for my husband, my children, my family and friends. I ask Him to forgive me of all of my many shortcomings and to help me do better the next day. My prayers usually end up more like a conversation that I would have with my best friend, except for one huge difference. I trust God to take care of it. All of it. It is out of my control and it’s His to deal with. He has never let me down, and I know that He never will.

After I pray and lay down my burden, the voice is quiet. My mind is at peace and my soul knows that my Savior and Heavenly Father are going to take care of everything. Then I close my eyes, give thanks, and rest.

-Andrea Kahn, MOPS mom

Rainy Day Fun!

2010-02-01T19:41:00.000-08:00

Indoor Fun

This time of year can sometimes drag on when the weather is gray and rainy, and we can't go out to play.

Here are a couple of my favorite rainy day activities.

Hope your kids enjoy the fun, so you can get something done!

Homemade Play-Dough

1 1/2 Cups Flour

3/4 Cup Salt

1 1/2 Cups Water

1TBS Cream of Tartar

1 1/2 TBS Oil

6 Drops of Food Coloring (you can add more if you like)

~Combine all ingredients in a large pot, then cook on stove over med. heat.

~Continuously stir, until dough comes away from sides of the pot, and forms a ball.

~Remove dough from pan, allow to cool a few minutes.

~Knead dough until smooth~ 1-2 minutes.

~You may add a few drops of essential oil, or glitter during the kneading process.

~Get out the rolling pin, cookie cutters, and old garlic press.

~Let the fun begin :)

~Store in air tight container.

Noodle Fun

~Purchase inexpensive noodles in a variety of shapes and sizes.

~Let your children pick out their favorite food storage containers, or other plastic dishes.

~Let them also select their favorite stirring utensils.

~Put everything on the floor or kitchen table, and let them "cook".

~This will keep most children entertained for quite some time.

~Easy clean-up, either sweep up and re-use, or vacuum, whichever you prefer.

~Note: if you re-use the noodles, be sure to label them as "play noodles",

so your hubby does not use then to make dinner :)

~Loree Arthur

Table Leader and fellow MOPS mom

There will be a day....

2010-01-20T14:48:00.000-08:00

On Monday night, while driving home from GNO, I was listening to Spirit 105.3 the radio station and the president of World Vision was speaking about the damage that has been done in Haiti. Now, to be honest, I don't have cable and only explore email, Facebook and USMagazine.com online so I had no idea there was even an earthquake until at least a day after it had happened. Lame, I know.

Normally when I learn of disasters of the sort I feel, like some of you may feel, very detatched from the situation. I can't fully wrap my brain around the devestation they are feeling because I have never experienced such a tramatic event. For that, I am grateful! I have to feel it, experience it and go through it in order for my brain and heart to envelope the depth of their pain. This time was different.

I heard "Some children were sleeping next to the courpses of their mother or father." and "Children were just walking around in the streets crying because they had lost their families and had no idea where to go and who to turn to." When I heard both of these statements shared by the president of World Vision my heart broke. I cannot even imagine if my Patrick (3) and Jaden (1) were abandoned, crying, lost, scared and alone. If Matt and I were plucked from their lives early and the world they knew was in rubble form, where would they turn? Who would be there to protect them, to wipe their tears, meet their needs, shelter them from the pain of life?

After sharing a list of things that WV is doing to support such children as I mentioned above, he called all of God's people to pray; to pray for those children (and all the others) devestated by this horrific event. Prayer changes everything...he knows it, I know it and if you have layed your heart bare before Jesus and He has answered your prayers, you know it too! We may not be able to pour out a financial abundance or even pack up our little family and travel into their pain and help them make a new way but we can pray, which opens up God's power and authority, love and provision upon HIS children. "Send down manna from heaven for them! Meet their needs! Speak peace to those children! Give them hope!" I have to trust He can, He will and He is!

Until we see it with our eyes we too can have hope that...."There will be a day..." by Jeremy Camp

I try to hold on to this world with everything I have

But I feel the weight of what it brings, and the hurt that trys to grab

The many trials that seem to never end, His word declares this truth,

that we will enter in this rest with wonders anew

But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings

That there will be a place with no more suffering

There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears

There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face

But until that day, we’ll hold on to you always

I know the journey seems so long

You feel your walking on your own

But there has never been a step

Where you’ve walked out all alone

Troubled soul don’t lose your heart

Cause joy and peace he brings

And the beauty that’s in store

Outweighs the hurt of life’s sting

I can’t wait until that day where the very one I’ve lived for always will wipe away the sorrow that I’ve faced

To touch the scars that rescued me from a life of shame and misery this is why this is why I sing….

There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears

There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face

There will be a day, He’ll wipe away the stains, He’ll wipe away the tears, He’ll wipe away the tears…..there will be a day.

Sara

You are beautiful!

2010-01-18T13:16:00.000-08:00

http://operationbeautiful.com/

Hi Ladies -

I found this link this evening, and wanted to share it with you. How inspiring to encourage other women around our town anonymously, by silencing the "fat talk" that we all hear.
Love yourself and others today... because as we were reminded this morning "our outcomes are not determined by our intentions, but by our actions".
See you Thursday!!

Erin Morgan

"Mom"

2010-01-05T21:19:00.000-08:00

Hello ladies! I hope this note finds you well and that you thoroughly enjoyed celebrating the birth of Christ with your loved ones.

This year my husband had to work on Christmas, so my 2 1/2 year old son Micah and I headed to Portland to spend a few days with my cousins and auntie. Micah loved having lots of other kids to play with and had the time of his life...especially when his 7 year old cousin Sol broke out the light saber. It was like he was in boy heaven. Micah followed Sol around all day every day. It was so much fun just to watch them together.

....until we got home and Micah started calling me "Mom". Yes, I realize that I am a mom, but up until 2 days ago my son had called me "Mama" exclusively. Ever since he learned how to talk I have been "Mama". Yes, in Micahs efforts to emulate his wonderful cousin, he had begun to call me what Sol calls his mother, "Mom".

Maybe it's just me, but this transition has hit me hard. It's like Micah grew from toddler to boy overnight. Calling me "Mom" is just another sign that he's growing up little by little everyday--and there's nothing I can do to stop it. That is, besides reminding him each time he calls me "Mom" that my name is not "Mom", it's "Mama".
~Keli Douglass (MOPS mom)

Get Out of that Pit

2010-01-05T21:15:00.000-08:00

As I was laying in my bubble bath reading Get Out of that Pit by Beth Moore, I was posed with a question. The irony behind the asking of this question is that just the other day I was crying out to God, in the shower (me and God like WARM, secluded places) with my answer to the question before it was even asked.

What is the question, you may be asking your self? Well, as Beth puts it...

"Is it any wonder that the first words of Christ recorded in the imcomparable Gospel of John are, "What do you want?" Hear Him echo the same words to you today. "What do you want, child?".

If I would have been asked this two years ago, it would have been a baby. Then there was Jaden. If you would have asked me one year ago it would have been a house. Since then we have moved two times in two months and are in our home to stay...til God moves us. If you would have asked me six months ago I would have said to be in full-time ministry (writing and teaching) and going to school. I am starting my second class in a few short weeks and I get the privilege of serving in MOPS. But...just a few days ago, as I cried out to God for mercy in the shower, my heart had a need FAR exceeding that of the list provided above.
"God, if you could grant me one wish, as if you were a genie in a bottle, I would beg you to give me a heart of joy, peace and contentment about being a mom and being home and that my husband would OVERFLOW because of my love for him. That he would know, beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am WILD about him."

If you were present for our first MOPS meeting, you know that my heart is plagued with a thorn of something seemingly unnatural regarding my role as mom and homemaker. Praise God we have come SO far in the last six months and that thorn is no longer causing irritated, infected wounds in my flesh, however, it is still present and will be until God chooses to pull it out. You see he told me that I have this thorn for a reason...assuming so this broken mess can cast a beautiful rainbow before you when His light shines through. A rainbow as a sign of His faithfulness to see all of us through this challenging life. Anyway...not the reason for writing.

Today, as I read Beth's question, as provided from the mouth of Jesus, my answer was the same as I stated above, with the addition of wealth. :) Oh if I had unending financial resources, everyone around me, near and far, would be showered! But..neither here nor there, it was a part of my answer. I was just talking to God about my answer once again and it dawned on me...yes, in my truest of heart (which God knows my hearts desires and the motives of that desiring heart) I want to be the best mom and wife but from that I realized I have a deep-seeded need to have a 'failure-free' life.

The book I am reading (see the title above) does not necessarily sum up the life I am living. I am not in a pit, praise God! BUT I have been in one, lots of them actually, which is part of the reason I have a need to be without error. Once you have lived in error so long, knowingly, and have been rescued, you want NOTHING to do with the error...causing me to desire a life where I am not failing, or so it seems, in my heart as a mom and wife.

We are going to be introducing a bible study, which will be taught by Susan Anderson (mentor mom) on marriage relationships. This hits the core of my heart. My error and redemption were birthed in my love relationship with my man. I am sure I will share a little here or there as the study begins and carries us through the MOPS year, so I will leave it there for now.

(Please don't misunderstand, I am WILD about my husband and we have a great marriage, by God's grace, and I am a good mom and care tenderly for their inner and outer beings. My heart and mind, however, struggle immensely at times to find joy, peace and contentment in the midst of my role as mom and homemaker...my thorn, however,you can bet your life on it that joy, peace and contentment in this area of my life is mine...God said so and therefore it is so and I will live it until I feel it.)

Point: What would you say if you were asked, by God of course, "My Beloved, what do you want?"

"God looks intently not only at what we've done and how, but also at why we did it. The Bible tells us that, unlike people, God doesn't look on the outward appearance of things. He looks upon the heart. First Chronicles 28:9 says, "the LORD searches every heart and understand every motive behind the thoughts." (77) Don't be bashful in your answer, He already knows what you are thinking! :)

He has given me a realization that it is by grace I have been saved, not by works. So it is not necessary for me to try and live error-free but rather ... just free. I am free, indeed, by God's power and grace! (I could write for hours, but I dare not bore you and cause you to never return to our blog. :))

I have not been a pit-dweller for some time now and I need to walk in confidence, security and freedom knowing that he who began a good work in me WILL see it to completion...and that means that I will be joyful, peaceful and content in my role as mom and housewife and that my love for my husband will be evident and abundant. Amen!

Lovingly laying it all out there so you too can be free!
Love to you
Sara

Frozen Peanut Butter Bars

2009-12-11T20:40:00.000-08:00

Here is a delicious recipe from the kitchen of Stephanie V, one of our awesome MOPS moms.
Frozen Peanut Butter Bars

Ingredients

1c. Butter or Margarine

2c. Peanut Butter

2.5c Graham cracker crumbs (usually equal to about a bag and a half)

1.75c Powdered Sugar

2c. Chocolate Chips (1/2 semi-sweet, 1/2 milk chocolate)

1/3c Milk

In a large saucepan, melt butter and peanut butter togethere. Mix well. Remove from heat. Add crumbs and powdered sugar, mixing well. Spread peanut butter mixture in a jelly roll pan. Chill.

When the peanut butter layer is firm, melt chocolate chips with milk over low heat. Spread over chilled peanut butter mixture. Chill Again.

So simple to make and I swear they taste just like Frozen Reese's Peanut Butter cups.

THE Sustainer....

2009-11-18T15:42:00.000-08:00

"There's no such thing as perfect people,

There's no such thing as a perfect life,

So come as you are, broken and scarred

Lift up your heart, be amazed,

And be changed, by a perfect God"

~Natalie Grant

I believe that God speaks to us in so many ways, through His Word~The Bible, through other people, and through music just to name a few. It is so important that we take the time to be still, and listen to what He is saying to us. The above song lyrics remind me that no matter what crazy things are happening in my life, or how broken I may feel, God is always right here waiting to help me through.

There have been many difficult obstacles and challenges in my life over the past year. I am so grateful for my relationship with Jesus, for I know that He is the only reason that I have managed to deal with the circumstances that have been presented to me. As it says in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (my own para-phrasing), His grace is sufficient.......when we experience challenges, persecutions, and difficulties which make us feel weak, but turn to Christ for help, He will give us strength and help us grow. I thank God daily for His mercy and grace, and for the strength that He has given me this year. I know that there are many more challenges ahead, but with Christ I can do all things (Phil. 4:13).

Friends, remember that no matter what you are facing or going through He is waiting to help you, so 'lift up your heart" to Him, "and be amazed, and be changed" today!

Loree Arthur

How long should that stay in the fridge???

2009-11-13T12:55:00.001-08:00

How long can a bottle of ketchup stay in your fridge before it goes bad? I'm thinking 5 or 10 years, but if you want an expert opinion, go to the web site below. This site lists all kind of foods and how to keep them fresh longer as well as when to get rid of them. If you have a question click on the particular picture, and a whole list of stuff appears.............WHAT A GREAT SITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

www.stilltasty.com

1st meeting, Sept. 17

2009-11-13T09:03:00.000-08:00

Here are some quick photos from our first MOPS meeting this year, held on Thursday, Sept. 17.

MOPS Coordinator Sara Guilfoyle welcoming all the moms at the beginning of the meeting. Sara spoke to us about motherhood. She shared some of her personal blessings and struggles in her journey as a mother of two boys, Patrick and Jaden. She also talked to us about the differences in being a "born-mom" or a "made-mom."

MOPS Hospitality Team Leader Cristi Taylor

Our first yummy brunch of the year!

Daisy sharing a story with friends Jen (on the left) and Andi (on the right).

Table leader Loree chatting with her MOPS friends.

Sherrie listening to a funny story.

Mentor Moms Kelly and Sharon.

Janice looking over all her Welcome to MOPS packet, put together by the MOPS leadership team for every MOPS member.

From Daisy's Kitchen

2009-11-12T14:48:00.000-08:00

~Hello ladies! After our meeting last week I thought I'd share two of my favorite recipes with you. There's nothing like a yummy bowl of soup on a yucky day! The first recipe is a simple one. It all goes in the crock pot for four hours. The second takes a little more work, but it's DELICIOUS! It's perfect for company. I hope you enjoy these. I'm always looking for new recipes, so please feel free to share any with me that your family likes. May God richly bless you all! ~Daisy King

Taco Soup

1 lb ground beef, browned

1 diced onion

2 cans Kidney Beans (undrained)

2 cans Pinto Beans (undrained)

2 cans corn (undrained)

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can diced mild chilies

1 package taco seasoning

1 package ranch dressing seasoning

Add it all to the crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours or more. Stir occasionally. Serve with sour cream and shredded cheese on the side.

Chicken Avocado Tortilla Soup

3 cloves crushed garlic

¾ t ground cumin

¾ t dried oregano

¼ t chili powder

¼ t pepper

8 cups chicken broth

1 - 14 oz can diced tomatoes

1 – 4 oz can diced green mild chilies

12 corn tortillas, 6 inches wide

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast

2 T chopped fresh cilantro

Salt

1 avocado

Cheese

In a 5-6 quart nonstick pan over medium heat, stir first 5 ingredients until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add broth, tomatoes (including juice), and chilies. Bring to boil over high heat.

Meanwhile, stack tortillas and cut into 1/8 inch wide strips. Add to boiling broth. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch for it to stick to the bottom.

Rinse chicken and cut into ½ inch pieces. Peel avocado and cut into small pieces.

Add chicken to broth and return to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until chicken is white in center, about 5 minutes. Stir in cilantro and salt to taste.

Ladle into soup bowls.

Each person can use avocado and cheese to taste.

Praise and Thanksgiving

2009-10-28T14:08:00.000-07:00

Hi ladies,

I have had a hard time thinking about what to write on this blog entry. I have so many things going on in my life that I could write about and then it came to me - praise and Thanksgiving. Lately, I have had the opportunity to serve a wonderful family that is in need. I have been able to take them meals, watch their kids, and even clean their house. Why when I see families struggling do I still envy others?

It is so hard in these times to be content with what you have. But, God always reminds me and shows me the blessings he has given me - I have 3 beautiful children who are healthy, a husband who loves me and a God who loves me even more. Please remember in these times to pray and help serve those who are struggling, and then look at your own life and give God the Praise for what he has given you! God bless you and your family,

Becky

A little love from the kitchen

2009-10-19T19:38:00.000-07:00

Hello Ladies,

Being that the cold weather has approached and the leaves have fallen to the ground, I wanted to share with you my favorite crisp weather zucchini bread recipe. To me, nothing beats the smell of my house when I have a loaf or two of zucchini bread in the oven. The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla fill the room and make my house smell so fabulous and feel so nice and warm. So I'd love for you all to have my family's special recipe and enjoy that same warm joy that this brings to my home.

*Add column 1 to column 2

Column 1

-3 beaten eggs

-1 cup of oil or for healthier option 1/2 cup applesauce, 1/2 cup oil

-2 &1/4 cups sugar

-2 cups grated zucchini

-3 tsp vanilla

Blend together until nice and smooth consistency

*Column 2

-3 cups flour

-1 tsp salt

-3 tsp cinnamon

-1/4 tsp baking powder

-1 tsp baking soda

-1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Mix together and then add column 1 to column 2 and blend all together until smooth.

Put in 2 9x5 metal loaf pans sprayed with non stick spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

I've had such an abundant amount of zucchini provided to me over the season that I have felt, at times, I couldn't keep up with it. If that has happened to you, here are a couple of tips you might enjoy.

- after zucchini bread had cooled place in zip lock baggie and put in freezer. It only takes a night to thaw out and be ready for the event you may need it for..i.e. MOPS :o)

- if you don't have time to use the zucchini right away but obviously don't want it to go to waste, grate or shred it all and divide into 4 cup segments and place in zip lock freezer baggies. When ready to use let it completely thaw out and then place on paper towel and slightly squeeze out excess moisture. This way it will not be too watery. When freezing zucchini it's important to remember that it looses a lot of moisture so you always want to double the amount needed so that you will have enough when it comes time for baking.

I truly hope you all enjoy this recipe, and get the use of all of your zucchini that the gardens around us are producing.

Love to you all,

~ Katie Sullivan

Welcome Back!!!

2009-10-07T12:35:00.000-07:00

Hi Ladies,
I am sorry our blog has not been updated since JULY! Holy Cow time flies! I have officially taken over the innerworkings of the blog and I am so out of my element. Hence the delay! So, I will do my best. :)

Welcome to another year of MOPS! We are off to a great start and are thrilled to see so many new faces in our group. (Don't worry, returners, we love you MUCH!) We hope that you are ripe and ready for all that this MOPS year has in store for you. We are!!!!

If you have any questions/concerns or thoughts, please let me know. If there is something you would like to add to our blog, please pass it on to me and I will preview and post. :)

Thanks again for joining us and please check our blog weekly for information, posts and pics. (Pics from our first two meetings coming soon!)

Love to you all!
Sara G.

Blog Roll

2009-07-22T09:17:00.001-07:00

See over there to the right? Just under the Play date schedule? It says "Blog Roll". That is a resource for you, as a mom. Click on the links to find parent hacks, activity ideas, and other resources for preschool moms.

A few things though, we do not have control of the content on those blogs. They do not represent the views or beliefs of Calvary Community Church or MOPS International. When you visit the sites please represent our community well and if you choose to leave a comment, keep it friendly.

If you know of a blog that might be helpful to other moms, drop Kristin an email. At this time lets keep the links/blogs noncommercial (no selling of things).

Also, if you publish a blog, let us know. I would like to do a listing for MOPS moms that blog (plus we are always looking for people to write content for this blog!).

After all we have been through....

2009-07-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

As I was thinking/planning what to write on this very blog, for your reading eyes, I had a few ideas. But, when it all boiled down, what I am dealing with right now, is what is closest to my heart, is the perfect place to start.

As some of you may know I am going back to school in the Fall. I have wanted to get a Masters from the time I was doing my undergrad at WSU (GO COUGS!). After many failed attempts to start school again, God's timing is now. I cannot begin to express the excitement in my heart about beginning this adventure. With school, however, comes a HUGE bill.

Matt (my man) and I have talked about how to pay for this adventure (which he FULLY supports and encourages). I have filled out all the necessary financial aid paperwork, attempted to find any available scholarships, spoken with the church about match grants...done everything I could to find extra money short of robbing a bank....NOTHING. We have read The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (STRONGLY RECOMMEND!) and committed a year or so to stay out of debt in any and every way possible. Because of that commitment, we decided against taking out a loan. The only other option my husband could see was for him to get another job. He has prayed about it, as have I, and he feels complete peace that that is what God is asking of him at this time. I say 'he feels complete peace' because, as of right now, that is not necessarily a shared feeling. Yes, come next month, when my first tuition payment is due, we have to be able to pay for it somehow. Since I make...NOTHING...I cannot contribute, nor does he want me to get a paying job. That brings us to where we are now.

After all God and I have been through, together and with Matt, you would think I have this trust thing nearly figured out. He is faithful EVERY time, no question! It is the essence of who He is. He has pulled us out of many o' financial pits and done miracles that we have witnessed with our very eyes. Why, then, do I not believe that He will provide the additional amount each month to cover the cost of my school, which we both firmly believe is His will for me in THIS season? Why do I also not believe that he will provide Matt with a second job that still allows me to stay connected to my b-fry and the man of my dreams? Let alone allow him time with the boys who desperately need daddy time? With all the doubts that flood my little brain, he is STILL faithful! He will act out of rich love and power, in spite of me. He knows in due time and after enough time on my knees and in His word that seeds of faith will be planted and they will blossom into oaks of faith. Until then, he plants one seed at a time, reminding me that He too will work it all out.

My seed for the day:
Isaiah 41:10
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Thanks, God, for getting me through today and being so patient with me in my struggle to believe.

-Sara

Cleaning Out the Closets

2009-07-07T14:40:00.000-07:00

It's summertime. I find that my schedule changes during this time of year. It relaxes and becomes far more flexible, but also fills up with more play dates and fun activities. I don't have to rush my son off to preschool or get out the door for regularly schedules activities. My days are more open, mostly.

I love spending the time at parks and zoos, plugging into MOPS planned play dates and in general soaking up the sun.

Summertime also brings with it a desire to do projects, at least for me it does. There are so many randomly stacked things that appeared over the winter in the garage that we can barely get the cars in. And when we can get the cars in, we are stuck because we can't open the doors!

My closets are overflowing with clothes that are out of style, don't fit or are just plain worn out. My linen closet is unspeakable.

My goal this summer is to clean out. Clean out the things that I don't use, don't want or don't need. Pass things on to other moms, thrift stores or the dump.

Declutter.

My relationship with God has much to declutter as well. How many things have I taken on board that are not benefiting me? Beliefs that have come, not from God, but from "that's how it has always been" or "that's what my parents believed." I have beliefs that cause me to feel guilty for not being perfect. Does that come from God? I don't think so.

I would be the first one to say that learning from others is a valuable thing. Passing on faith from parents to children is one of my top priorities with my son and daughter. But, old stale beliefs need to be tested and tried. Held up to see if they still fit. Are they a product, not of the teachings of God, but of a fad that came through the church (or society)? Do I have a tie-dye faith? Or do I have a classic, never-goes-out-of-style A-line faith? Where do my beliefs come from? The Bible? Society? Movies?

I loved the book The Shack. There were parts that challenged me and my prejudices. Do I believe that it was Biblical? No. But did I inadvertently take on beliefs that are contrary to the Bible?

How much of what I believe have I taken on board by random things in our culture?

The only way to distill my beliefs is to spend time with God and his Word. Letting Him talk to me and asking Him to show me the truths that can be mined only from Him and His Word and to possibly find a mentor in a more mature Christian woman.

Just like I need to spend time going through my closets this summer, I need to spend time with God. Going through my beliefs.

-Kristin

An Epiphany

2009-06-25T18:11:00.000-07:00

As I was starting my quiet time today with my lovely 365 daily devotional (thanks Steering girls!) I read about something I have read numerous times, Susan has taught us about and we have heard at church. The Good Samaritan and Who is your neighbor?

In it the writer for the day, Anne Graham Lotz wrote:

"This very day you will encounter someone who needs a word of encouragement or a pat on the back or a helping hand or a heartfelt prayer. And, if you don't reach out to that person, who will? If you don't take the time to understand the needs of your neighbors, who will? If you don't love your brothers and sisters, who will? So, today look for a neighbor in need...and then do something to help. Father's orders.

A person who really cares about his or her neighbor, a person who genuinely loves others, is a person who bears witness to the truth."

The little cherubs that fill our house are the very neighbors I will love on, pray for, pick up, put down (unfortunately) and all that today. I knew all this, this was just a good firm reminder.

When I was reading that, though, I felt like God said "There is a battle going on here but the victory is won"

THERE IS!

There is a battle over self. The times I am MOST frustrated with being home and being a mom and I lack love and patience is when I am trying to get something accomplished and THEY are interfering. It is a battle over my heart...which is divided at this moment between "Who do I serve?" Self or these two boys that divinely arrived (oh yeah, I prayed, begged, prepared and planned for them).

When I read this devotional, my heart knows and longs to be the one to pick them up, love them deeply, shape them, train them...and thankfully that is the bigger part of the divided heart. That self part is dying slowly in this season, but it is NOT going out without a fight. Hence the struggle over my role as stay at home momma!

So, please pray, for the victory to be won with haste and power. For that self to die and stay dead FOR ALL TIME! For a love of others BEYOND MEASURE! For victories in this home with my little knights.

Thanks for praying...it is changing me...little by little.

love to you
Sara

Welcome!!

2009-06-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

Hi, Ladies!

Welcome to Summer! I hope you have had a nice last few weeks and anticipate a wonderful next few months as you enjoy all that Summer provides.

I just want to remind you to join us for our play dates. We have had two so far and will have four more. If you want/need an outting, we have them planned, so please come along and join in the fun. You can bring a friend along if you would like. The more the merrier!

Also, I will be adding posts hopefully once a week with notes of encouragement or whatever is on my heart. Please feel free to dialogue with me in the process. If you aren't sure how to do it, email me or Kristin Caldwell and we can help. :)

Love to you!
Sara

Welcome to the Calvary Community MOPS Blog!

2009-06-15T11:16:00.000-07:00

We are excited to launch our new MOPS blog! Check here for current schedules, event pictures, MOPS news and heartfelt sharing.

Notice the sidebars. That is where you will find summer play date info (date, time and location). That is also the place that you will find meeting information as we get closer to the start of MOPS in the Fall.

If you are interested in contributing to the blog or have MOPS photos that you would be willing to share please contact Kristin.

In the meantime, enjoy a few pictures from our wrap up MOPS meeting.

photo by Jackie Weber

Photo by Jackie Weber

Photo by Amanda McMahan