Mentor Mom's Monday

Prayer

      One of the things I want to be careful of when writing this blog is not to make it about me or my situations. I really want the articles to be more generic, but I am not always successful with that goal. I don't want to be preachy. I apologize if I come across like that when I don't mean to be that way. What I write about is sometimes very personal, and that is okay. I want personal and real relationships and I am sure you do, too.  I know God wants a personal and real relationship with me and with you. Talk to God and let Him know you want a close and personal relationship with Him. If you haven't done so, accept Him as your personal Savior and see how he directs your prayer life.   God wants to hear from you and from me....continuously.

    Last  night I woke up in the middle of the night.  I really am not sure if it because of my age or not, but one of the things I've decided to do is pray when this happens. My middle of the night prayer life ramped up more than a year ago when my son's best buddy was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma brain tumor which was malignant. After undergoing brain surgery and then several rounds of chemotherapy he is cancer free. He still has a long way to go to regain some motor abilities, but he is improving.   Then, a great nephew of mine was born early, very early and weighed in at 1 lb. 3 oz. (a  micro preemie).  Now, after a six month stint at Children's Hospital in Minneapolis he is home and weighs more than 12 pounds. He is a miracle.  Both are miracles and both were and are being bathed in prayer. These are extreme cases and prayer support for them and their families has been crucial.

      But, isn't prayer support crucial for everyday living?  You bet it is. I believe most decisions are better made when covered in prayer first.  This is a lesson I am still learning. I haven't arrived. God is working on me.  Praying, praying, and praying has been one of the areas God has been challenging me with for awhile. He wants me to step it up, depend on Him more, and to let go and trust Him....with everything.  So, that is my challenge for 2013.  Let's continue to be great mothers ( yes, great mothers), wonderful wives, and WOMEN of PRAYER.

Thanks for listening.

Happy New Year.

Holly Broden

Mentor Mom

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Mentor Mom's Monday

Prayer

      One of the things I want to be careful of when writing this blog is not to make it about me or my situations. I really want the articles to be more generic, but I am not always successful with that goal. I don't want to be preachy. I apologize if I come across like that when I don't mean to be that way. What I write about is sometimes very personal, and that is okay. I want personal and real relationships and I am sure you do, too.  I know God wants a personal and real relationship with me and with you. Talk to God and let Him know you want a close and personal relationship with Him. If you haven't done so, accept Him as your personal Savior and see how he directs your prayer life.   God wants to hear from you and from me....continuously.

    Last  night I woke up in the middle of the night.  I really am not sure if it because of my age or not, but one of the things I've decided to do is pray when this happens. My middle of the night prayer life ramped up more than a year ago when my son's best buddy was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma brain tumor which was malignant. After undergoing brain surgery and then several rounds of chemotherapy he is cancer free. He still has a long way to go to regain some motor abilities, but he is improving.   Then, a great nephew of mine was born early, very early and weighed in at 1 lb. 3 oz. (a  micro preemie).  Now, after a six month stint at Children's Hospital in Minneapolis he is home and weighs more than 12 pounds. He is a miracle.  Both are miracles and both were and are being bathed in prayer. These are extreme cases and prayer support for them and their families has been crucial.

      But, isn't prayer support crucial for everyday living?  You bet it is. I believe most decisions are better made when covered in prayer first.  This is a lesson I am still learning. I haven't arrived. God is working on me.  Praying, praying, and praying has been one of the areas God has been challenging me with for awhile. He wants me to step it up, depend on Him more, and to let go and trust Him....with everything.  So, that is my challenge for 2013.  Let's continue to be great mothers ( yes, great mothers), wonderful wives, and WOMEN of PRAYER.

Thanks for listening.

Happy New Year.

Holly Broden

Mentor Mom

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Christmas Card From Jesus

 

Our Savior is Born! Rejoice in this day! May your day be filled with love, laughter, and sweet memories for years to come!

 

 

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca



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Christmas Card From Jesus

 

Our Savior is Born! Rejoice in this day! May your day be filled with love, laughter, and sweet memories for years to come!

 

 

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca



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MENTOR MOMS' MONDAY

SHORT AND SWEET

Merry Christmas !

from the

Mentor Moms

We love you all!!

Enjoy your families!

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MENTOR MOMS' MONDAY

SHORT AND SWEET

Merry Christmas !

from the

Mentor Moms

We love you all!!

Enjoy your families!

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Family Tradition Friday-Barb

Twas the Friday before Christmas and the stores are crazy! Are you done shopping or are you finishing last minute? I can't believe how fast the season came upon us! I love everything leading up to the grand finale, but I wish I had one more week to just enjoy it a little more:)

Thank you, to our sweet mentor mom, Barb Anderson for sharing her Christmas traditions with us!  She shares;

1.  Tea lights or candles at each place that are lit at the beginning of the meal.  The first person lights the candle of the person next to him/her and makes a wish or prayer for the New Year.  The match is then passed on to the next person.  When all the candles are lit, we sing Silent Night and then my husband (previously it was my father) reads the Christmas story from Luke.

2.  We always have a Christmas ornament at each place (with a date written on it).  It's fun to remember past Christmases that way when decorating the tree the next year.

 

I love both of them but the first one just brings a tear to my eyes. I can only imagine the beautiful, peaceful scene that must be. Thank you for sharing!

 

I pray you all have a safe spirit filled weekend! Enjoy this fun special time shared with those you love most!

 

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca

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Family Tradition Friday-Barb

Twas the Friday before Christmas and the stores are crazy! Are you done shopping or are you finishing last minute? I can't believe how fast the season came upon us! I love everything leading up to the grand finale, but I wish I had one more week to just enjoy it a little more:)

Thank you, to our sweet mentor mom, Barb Anderson for sharing her Christmas traditions with us!  She shares;

1.  Tea lights or candles at each place that are lit at the beginning of the meal.  The first person lights the candle of the person next to him/her and makes a wish or prayer for the New Year.  The match is then passed on to the next person.  When all the candles are lit, we sing Silent Night and then my husband (previously it was my father) reads the Christmas story from Luke.

2.  We always have a Christmas ornament at each place (with a date written on it).  It's fun to remember past Christmases that way when decorating the tree the next year.

 

I love both of them but the first one just brings a tear to my eyes. I can only imagine the beautiful, peaceful scene that must be. Thank you for sharing!

 

I pray you all have a safe spirit filled weekend! Enjoy this fun special time shared with those you love most!

 

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca

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Thrifty Thursday- Dancing Christmas Lights

Are you looking for a cheap and festive family outing? I have found two houses in our general area that are doing musical Christmas light displays. We were able to visit both houses and to quote my 17 year old "That is the coolest thing I have ever seen in my life....like seriously!". If a teenager thinks it's cool then it must be:) Here are they are.

1. 12052 Vintage St NW  Coon Rapids, MN 55433

2. 156th Ave NW & Basalt St NW  Ramsey, MN 55303 (you can just put this in your GPS or Ma Quest it like I did and it will bring you there).

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca Pin It

Thrifty Thursday- Dancing Christmas Lights

Are you looking for a cheap and festive family outing? I have found two houses in our general area that are doing musical Christmas light displays. We were able to visit both houses and to quote my 17 year old "That is the coolest thing I have ever seen in my life....like seriously!". If a teenager thinks it's cool then it must be:) Here are they are.

1. 12052 Vintage St NW  Coon Rapids, MN 55433

2. 156th Ave NW & Basalt St NW  Ramsey, MN 55303 (you can just put this in your GPS or Ma Quest it like I did and it will bring you there).

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca Pin It

Women in the Word-Oh Holy Night

I want to share with you my favorite song, not just my favorite Christmas song, but my most favorite song-ever! The words just soak into my soul and I am always brought to tears. Oh Holy Night.
 "A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn". Hope, our great hope in Jesus Christ who came to the world in the most humble and lowly ways to be our sin bearer and to give us hope (Google Jesus and hope). When there seems to be nothing left to give, feel, or even take-we still have our hope in Christ and Christ alone. His mercies are new every single day! Amen!
"Chains shall He break,for the slave is our brother. And in His name all oppression shall cease". He came to break the bondage of sin and Satan's hold on us. There is a constant struggle of things that can hold us in bondage-grief, food, drugs, alcohol, p*rn, and just about anything else you can think of of this world. "For the slave is my brother" With Christ, you see a brother or sister in place where you might of just seen a prostitute, a drug addict, a beggar, a Muslim or Jew, or any other undesirable or different beliefed person we live among. To love them, so that even if they don't seek or know Him, they will recognize Him in us.. Oppression of worldliness will no longer weigh me down in spirit and will cease to have any hold on my life.
Our Savior came to be the light of the world (John 8:12) and to save us from sin (Matthew 1:21). Rejoice with greatness and gladness that our Savior lives and our Savior brings with Him hope and life.
I leave you with a few versions of my favorite song-take a minute to really hear the lyrics and see how it resonates in your soul.
http://youtu.be/4Zh-yR0pbmU  
http://youtu.be/lKSknasrE3k

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca

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Women in the Word-Oh Holy Night

I want to share with you my favorite song, not just my favorite Christmas song, but my most favorite song-ever! The words just soak into my soul and I am always brought to tears. Oh Holy Night.
 "A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn". Hope, our great hope in Jesus Christ who came to the world in the most humble and lowly ways to be our sin bearer and to give us hope (Google Jesus and hope). When there seems to be nothing left to give, feel, or even take-we still have our hope in Christ and Christ alone. His mercies are new every single day! Amen!
"Chains shall He break,for the slave is our brother. And in His name all oppression shall cease". He came to break the bondage of sin and Satan's hold on us. There is a constant struggle of things that can hold us in bondage-grief, food, drugs, alcohol, p*rn, and just about anything else you can think of of this world. "For the slave is my brother" With Christ, you see a brother or sister in place where you might of just seen a prostitute, a drug addict, a beggar, a Muslim or Jew, or any other undesirable or different beliefed person we live among. To love them, so that even if they don't seek or know Him, they will recognize Him in us.. Oppression of worldliness will no longer weigh me down in spirit and will cease to have any hold on my life.
Our Savior came to be the light of the world (John 8:12) and to save us from sin (Matthew 1:21). Rejoice with greatness and gladness that our Savior lives and our Savior brings with Him hope and life.
I leave you with a few versions of my favorite song-take a minute to really hear the lyrics and see how it resonates in your soul.
http://youtu.be/4Zh-yR0pbmU  
http://youtu.be/lKSknasrE3k

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca

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Tasty Tuesday-Homemade Pizza

This recipe has moved. Please visit http://andasprinkleoflove.com/2013/08/11/homemade-pizza/ for full recipe.

 

Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca

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Mentor Moms' Monday

Your are Special

      I love devotionals. I have several books of them. Today, I was reading, "Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life," published in 1983 and written by Charles Swindoll   That is almost 30 years ago, and the message is as important now as it was then.  Today, in the season of winter was a reminder that everyone is unique and important. Everything about you God designed. Isn't that awesome!  What is almost more exciting to think about is the fact that your children were also designed by God. They were  planned by God. God tells of it in His word through King David.  If God says it, then it is true.

     Psalm 139:13-16: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." (NIV).

The words of the psalm and reiterated in today's devotional is that fact that God is involved with the details of  You.  He knows you and He loves you.  Praise Him because you and your children are fearfully and wonderfully made.  If God says so, then it is true.


~Holly Broden
Mentor Mom

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Mentor Moms' Monday

Your are Special

      I love devotionals. I have several books of them. Today, I was reading, "Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life," published in 1983 and written by Charles Swindoll   That is almost 30 years ago, and the message is as important now as it was then.  Today, in the season of winter was a reminder that everyone is unique and important. Everything about you God designed. Isn't that awesome!  What is almost more exciting to think about is the fact that your children were also designed by God. They were  planned by God. God tells of it in His word through King David.  If God says it, then it is true.

     Psalm 139:13-16: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." (NIV).

The words of the psalm and reiterated in today's devotional is that fact that God is involved with the details of  You.  He knows you and He loves you.  Praise Him because you and your children are fearfully and wonderfully made.  If God says so, then it is true.


~Holly Broden
Mentor Mom

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Family Tradition-Andrea

I have the pleasure of sharing a table with this sweet lady this year! Andrea shares-"Every evening of Christmas Eve after the extended family would leave our house we would make our own stars for Santa to find his way. My brother and I would draw a star on a piece of cardboard and my parents would cut it out and then we'd wrap it in tin foil and cover it with glue and glitter. My brother and I would each make one and then when it was dry we would place them at the top of the tree. We continued this tradition through high school or maybe even later. Bless my mother and the glitter mess she'd be left with after we went to bed. As if just having a house of 20-30 guests and getting ready for Christmas morning wasn't already enough. I can't wait to start this same tradition with my own family!

My moms kept most of them and its so funny to look at the changes in our artistic capabilities and sadly the later years when we started to lose the joy of it and the effort was no longer there".

Your mama sounds like one special lady, Andrea! How wonderful that you want to keep this tradition going with your own precious little girl! Thank you for sharing!

Take the time to love on your families a little extra this weekend!

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca

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Family Tradition-Andrea

I have the pleasure of sharing a table with this sweet lady this year! Andrea shares-"Every evening of Christmas Eve after the extended family would leave our house we would make our own stars for Santa to find his way. My brother and I would draw a star on a piece of cardboard and my parents would cut it out and then we'd wrap it in tin foil and cover it with glue and glitter. My brother and I would each make one and then when it was dry we would place them at the top of the tree. We continued this tradition through high school or maybe even later. Bless my mother and the glitter mess she'd be left with after we went to bed. As if just having a house of 20-30 guests and getting ready for Christmas morning wasn't already enough. I can't wait to start this same tradition with my own family!

My moms kept most of them and its so funny to look at the changes in our artistic capabilities and sadly the later years when we started to lose the joy of it and the effort was no longer there".

Your mama sounds like one special lady, Andrea! How wonderful that you want to keep this tradition going with your own precious little girl! Thank you for sharing!

Take the time to love on your families a little extra this weekend!

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca

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Thrifty Thursday-Christmas Crafts

It sounds like it might be another stay close to home weekend. Here are a few fun and easy festive crafts to do with your kiddos!

1. Dress up like Santa http://jennwa.blogspot.com/2009/12/santa-picture-craft.html

2. Wise men handprint http://www.simplycindyblog.com/two-cute-christmas-crafts%E2%80%A6/

3. A great simple alternative to gingerbread houses http://thefrugalgirls.com/2009/12/how-to-make-christmas-tree-cones-fun-edible-craft-for-kids.html

4. Yummy treat http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/easy-holiday-decorations?click=main_sr#slide-5

5. Cinnamon dough ornaments http://crafts.kaboose.com/cinnamon-dough-ornaments.html

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca


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Thrifty Thursday-Christmas Crafts

It sounds like it might be another stay close to home weekend. Here are a few fun and easy festive crafts to do with your kiddos!

1. Dress up like Santa http://jennwa.blogspot.com/2009/12/santa-picture-craft.html

2. Wise men handprint http://www.simplycindyblog.com/two-cute-christmas-crafts%E2%80%A6/

3. A great simple alternative to gingerbread houses http://thefrugalgirls.com/2009/12/how-to-make-christmas-tree-cones-fun-edible-craft-for-kids.html

4. Yummy treat http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/easy-holiday-decorations?click=main_sr#slide-5

5. Cinnamon dough ornaments http://crafts.kaboose.com/cinnamon-dough-ornaments.html

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca


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Women in the Word-Christmas Devotion

I truly love the beauty of how Max Lucado thinks about the scriptures and about our Lord. He has a way of painting a story in your head. Here is a Christmas devotion I hope you enjoy! http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/christmas-devotionals/thrill-of-hope-christmas-devotional-december-13.html

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca Pin It

Women in the Word-Christmas Devotion

I truly love the beauty of how Max Lucado thinks about the scriptures and about our Lord. He has a way of painting a story in your head. Here is a Christmas devotion I hope you enjoy! http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/christmas-devotionals/thrill-of-hope-christmas-devotional-december-13.html

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca Pin It

Mentor Mom's Monday

Keep It Simple

        Good snowy morning to everyone!  I was looking through some of my devotionals thinking about and praying about what to write on today.  A couple of  thoughts crossed my mind. One thought was to write on the importance of prayer, and another was to write on how important each of you is to God. Those subjects are good and true, but will have to wait to be written on in a future Mentor Moms' Monday blog. 
        After spending a couple of days shopping, taking in a couple of Christmas parties, and generally joining in on the hustle and bustle of  the Christmas season, I felt the need to focus on Christ instead of mas (which many of you know means more in Spanish). More Christ in Christmas is great.  The thought of having just more or mas isn't so appealing.   Keep it simple is the answer I kept getting.  So, today's blog is simply the front of my family's Christmas card. A card that will go out via snail mail, but one that I will share with you today in this format.  It says,

Messiah

For unto us a Child is born,

unto us a Son is given:

and the government

shall be upon His shoulder:

and His name shall be called

Wonderful, Counsellor,

The Mighty God,

The Everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace.

~ISAIAH 9:6~

What a wonderful and mighty God we serve.  It is He who is the focus of Christmas. My Christmas prayer is that there will be more Christ in everyone's Christmas this year.

~Holly Broden

Mentor Mom

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Mentor Mom Monday - A New Tradition for Christmas

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Mentor Mom Monday - A New Tradition for Christmas

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Mentor Mom's Monday

Keep It Simple

        Good snowy morning to everyone!  I was looking through some of my devotionals thinking about and praying about what to write on today.  A couple of  thoughts crossed my mind. One thought was to write on the importance of prayer, and another was to write on how important each of you is to God. Those subjects are good and true, but will have to wait to be written on in a future Mentor Moms' Monday blog. 
        After spending a couple of days shopping, taking in a couple of Christmas parties, and generally joining in on the hustle and bustle of  the Christmas season, I felt the need to focus on Christ instead of mas (which many of you know means more in Spanish). More Christ in Christmas is great.  The thought of having just more or mas isn't so appealing.   Keep it simple is the answer I kept getting.  So, today's blog is simply the front of my family's Christmas card. A card that will go out via snail mail, but one that I will share with you today in this format.  It says,

Messiah

For unto us a Child is born,

unto us a Son is given:

and the government

shall be upon His shoulder:

and His name shall be called

Wonderful, Counsellor,

The Mighty God,

The Everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace.

~ISAIAH 9:6~

What a wonderful and mighty God we serve.  It is He who is the focus of Christmas. My Christmas prayer is that there will be more Christ in everyone's Christmas this year.

~Holly Broden

Mentor Mom

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Family Tradition Friday-Joelle and Joni

There is nothing more wonderful this time of year than the traditions and the memories you have of this holy special season.

Joelle shares-
Koland Family Tradition

On Christmas Eve every year all my aunts, uncles and 13 cousins would
pile into Grandpa Trygve and Grandma Verna's small living room for Christmas. There was
barely room to move, but we all loved to be together. Stereotypically, most
people would think that a Norwegian family's Christmas would be fairly quiet
and stoic. Not this family. We'd often have prank gifts and messy silly
string.We always had a huge wrapping paper war and a ton of laughs. We were
pretty loud too.
We had one tradition that seemed completely out of place. I don't know how it
started or why, but we loved it. Towards the end of the evening all the
cousins would go to the basement and take turns being blindfolded and swinging at a
piñata. Eventually one of the older boys would break it, and we'd all go crazy
fighting over the candy. It was a blast!
Years went by, and we still piled in their small living room, but now
several of my cousins had spouses and kids. When it came time to do the piñata, it was a
new generation taking part in the tradition. Then one Christmas I brought my
boyfriend Rick (now my wonderful husband). I had spent Thanksgiving with his
extended family, and they were very quiet. I couldn't wait for him to
experience one of our Christmases. He did well with all of the good natured
teasing, wrapping paper fights and so on. We were downstairs watching the kids
take a shot at the piñata, when my cousin Wendy made a decision. We all had a
chance at the piñata while we were kids. It was time for Rick to be inducted,
so to speak. The next thing I knew, she'd gotten everyone to loudly chant his
name while they blindfolded him and started spinning him around in circles. If
you know my husband Rick, you know he handled it well and had a ton of fun!
My grandparents have since passed away, and my beloved cousin Wendy lost her
battle with breast cancer. The rest of us no longer all get together for
Christmas, mostly because there's nowhere we all fit. I will always
cherish the fun memories and crazy traditions we all had. I feel that traditions are very
important. At the same time I have learned that life is ever changing,
and what matters the most is enjoying the time together with those you love. Make the
most of the time this holiday season.

Joni shares-
We put a very low amount $5.00 let's say and everyone needs to be creative with there gifts for the adults.  Whoever cries when they open theirs then that giver wins best gift!!!  My family likes to go for the jugular!!  Some things we have done in the past have been a photo frame with handles screwed into the side and under the glass were all the child's accomplishments and was given to a parent as a tray to set out and put things on.  I made my mom a patch to a start to a quilt.  In the middle I stitched a bible verse.  My dad made all of us a candle out of a branch from a birch tree in our back yard growing up.  It has been some of my most memorable gifts I have given and received! 

Such different but wonderful traditions! Thank you Joelle and Joni for sharing! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Make memories and enjoy the time you have together!

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca






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Family Tradition Friday-Joelle and Joni

There is nothing more wonderful this time of year than the traditions and the memories you have of this holy special season.

Joelle shares-
Koland Family Tradition

On Christmas Eve every year all my aunts, uncles and 13 cousins would
pile into Grandpa Trygve and Grandma Verna's small living room for Christmas. There was
barely room to move, but we all loved to be together. Stereotypically, most
people would think that a Norwegian family's Christmas would be fairly quiet
and stoic. Not this family. We'd often have prank gifts and messy silly
string.We always had a huge wrapping paper war and a ton of laughs. We were
pretty loud too.
We had one tradition that seemed completely out of place. I don't know how it
started or why, but we loved it. Towards the end of the evening all the
cousins would go to the basement and take turns being blindfolded and swinging at a
piñata. Eventually one of the older boys would break it, and we'd all go crazy
fighting over the candy. It was a blast!
Years went by, and we still piled in their small living room, but now
several of my cousins had spouses and kids. When it came time to do the piñata, it was a
new generation taking part in the tradition. Then one Christmas I brought my
boyfriend Rick (now my wonderful husband). I had spent Thanksgiving with his
extended family, and they were very quiet. I couldn't wait for him to
experience one of our Christmases. He did well with all of the good natured
teasing, wrapping paper fights and so on. We were downstairs watching the kids
take a shot at the piñata, when my cousin Wendy made a decision. We all had a
chance at the piñata while we were kids. It was time for Rick to be inducted,
so to speak. The next thing I knew, she'd gotten everyone to loudly chant his
name while they blindfolded him and started spinning him around in circles. If
you know my husband Rick, you know he handled it well and had a ton of fun!
My grandparents have since passed away, and my beloved cousin Wendy lost her
battle with breast cancer. The rest of us no longer all get together for
Christmas, mostly because there's nowhere we all fit. I will always
cherish the fun memories and crazy traditions we all had. I feel that traditions are very
important. At the same time I have learned that life is ever changing,
and what matters the most is enjoying the time together with those you love. Make the
most of the time this holiday season.

Joni shares-
We put a very low amount $5.00 let's say and everyone needs to be creative with there gifts for the adults.  Whoever cries when they open theirs then that giver wins best gift!!!  My family likes to go for the jugular!!  Some things we have done in the past have been a photo frame with handles screwed into the side and under the glass were all the child's accomplishments and was given to a parent as a tray to set out and put things on.  I made my mom a patch to a start to a quilt.  In the middle I stitched a bible verse.  My dad made all of us a candle out of a branch from a birch tree in our back yard growing up.  It has been some of my most memorable gifts I have given and received! 

Such different but wonderful traditions! Thank you Joelle and Joni for sharing! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Make memories and enjoy the time you have together!

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca






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When the Dog Eats Baby Jesus

The following article was recommended by our fabulous Joelle! She says "I just love this article. I read it every year." http://traceysolomon.wordpress.com/2012/12/06/when-the-dog-eats-baby-jesus-you-may-be-missing-the-point/

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca Pin It

When the Dog Eats Baby Jesus

The following article was recommended by our fabulous Joelle! She says "I just love this article. I read it every year." http://traceysolomon.wordpress.com/2012/12/06/when-the-dog-eats-baby-jesus-you-may-be-missing-the-point/

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca Pin It

Women in the Word-Servant's Heart

More than anything else I want my children to have a servant's heart and to have empathy for those who are lost and hurting. I want their eyes to be open to see that life doesn't revolve around them but life could be better for someone because of them. To serve in the name and love of God and not in the name of their ego and pride. To serve knowing their eternal reward is far better than any worldly award or recognition (Knowing it is by grace they are saved not works-Eph 2:8). To put all selfish desires aside, religious beliefs, social class, racial class, and any other worldly obstacle aside and love because He loved us first ( 1 John 4:19). To teach them to be ready to give their coat, to bandage a wound, to give a hug, to offer encouragement, to offer a prayer, a listening ear, a strong back, but mostly be ready to tell of their Savior and the great gift of salvation He brings (Proverbs 11:24-25, John 3:16).

How, in the midst of an entitled culture, do I do this? First, and most important, I need to be in the word and in prayer. Second, I don't indulge every whim and fancy of my children. A gift then becomes a real surprise, welcomed with true gratitude. We discern the difference between want and need and they are learning to appreciate a job well done. Lastly, practice what you preach. Your children do as they see not as they hear.

I am a work in progress, always! I fail more than I succeed. I just pray that in the middle of my shortcomings, they see the true intentions and through that, I pray compassion sprouts.

Here is a great article that might be helpful http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/spiritual_growth_for_kids/teaching_servanthood.aspx


~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca Pin It

Women in the Word-Servant's Heart

More than anything else I want my children to have a servant's heart and to have empathy for those who are lost and hurting. I want their eyes to be open to see that life doesn't revolve around them but life could be better for someone because of them. To serve in the name and love of God and not in the name of their ego and pride. To serve knowing their eternal reward is far better than any worldly award or recognition (Knowing it is by grace they are saved not works-Eph 2:8). To put all selfish desires aside, religious beliefs, social class, racial class, and any other worldly obstacle aside and love because He loved us first ( 1 John 4:19). To teach them to be ready to give their coat, to bandage a wound, to give a hug, to offer encouragement, to offer a prayer, a listening ear, a strong back, but mostly be ready to tell of their Savior and the great gift of salvation He brings (Proverbs 11:24-25, John 3:16).

How, in the midst of an entitled culture, do I do this? First, and most important, I need to be in the word and in prayer. Second, I don't indulge every whim and fancy of my children. A gift then becomes a real surprise, welcomed with true gratitude. We discern the difference between want and need and they are learning to appreciate a job well done. Lastly, practice what you preach. Your children do as they see not as they hear.

I am a work in progress, always! I fail more than I succeed. I just pray that in the middle of my shortcomings, they see the true intentions and through that, I pray compassion sprouts.

Here is a great article that might be helpful http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/spiritual_growth_for_kids/teaching_servanthood.aspx


~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca Pin It

Tasty Tuesday-Joni style

Joni has done it again! I seriously wonder how she keeps her butt so miniscule?! The first recipe I have had and let me tell you...it's AWESOME! Seriously, go make it-right now! Thanks, Joni for sharing your good cookin' with us!



Easy Pickle No-Wrap1 small jar of DILL pickle relish (I like to drain as much of the juice out as possible)
1/2 lb of deli honey ham
8 oz whipped cream cheese
Mix & chill & spread on crackers or cocktail bread
**I like butter crackers!!!!

Turkey Broccoli Hollandaise
1 cup of fresh broccoli florets
1 pkg (6oz) stuffing mix (I like the herb flavor but any kind will do)
1 envelope of Hollandaise sauce mix (prepared as per pkg directions)
2 cups cooked turkey (or chicken)
1 can (2.8 oz) french fried onions

In large sauce pan with 1 inch of water add broccoli and boil.
Reduce heat; cover and simmer 5-8 min.
Meanwhile prepare stuffing mix and sauce mix.
Spoon stuffing into greased 11x7 pan (I use 9x13)
Top with turkey or chicken.
Drain broccoli; arrange over turkey/chicken.
Spoon suace over the top; sprinkle with french fried onions.
Bake, uncovered @ 350 for 25-30 min.

Super easy and cheap!

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca Pin It

Tasty Tuesday-Joni style

Joni has done it again! I seriously wonder how she keeps her butt so miniscule?! The first recipe I have had and let me tell you...it's AWESOME! Seriously, go make it-right now! Thanks, Joni for sharing your good cookin' with us!



Easy Pickle No-Wrap1 small jar of DILL pickle relish (I like to drain as much of the juice out as possible)
1/2 lb of deli honey ham
8 oz whipped cream cheese
Mix & chill & spread on crackers or cocktail bread
**I like butter crackers!!!!

Turkey Broccoli Hollandaise
1 cup of fresh broccoli florets
1 pkg (6oz) stuffing mix (I like the herb flavor but any kind will do)
1 envelope of Hollandaise sauce mix (prepared as per pkg directions)
2 cups cooked turkey (or chicken)
1 can (2.8 oz) french fried onions

In large sauce pan with 1 inch of water add broccoli and boil.
Reduce heat; cover and simmer 5-8 min.
Meanwhile prepare stuffing mix and sauce mix.
Spoon stuffing into greased 11x7 pan (I use 9x13)
Top with turkey or chicken.
Drain broccoli; arrange over turkey/chicken.
Spoon suace over the top; sprinkle with french fried onions.
Bake, uncovered @ 350 for 25-30 min.

Super easy and cheap!

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca Pin It

Mentor Moms' Monday

         Being Thankful

       I am relatively new to facebook.  I can say that!  Actually, I am on my second try at facebook as of November 12.   The first time--I didn't like it.   One of my friends asked me this time whether I liked it or not.  I really didn't know what to say. I hadn't made up my mind whether I liked it the second time around. I can now say that I have been blessed, not by facebook, but by my cyber friends' posts. By the way, they are real friends in my life as well.

      The realization came yesterday as I was reading a 22 day commitment to write out something this person was thankful for during the month of November.  It started November 1 and went through Thanksgiving Day.  What touched me was how vulnerable this person was willing to be during her 22 days of being thankful. It was and is heart warming. 

       It reminded me of 2 Thessalonians 5:16-18, and a light bulb moment I had one time when I was wondering what God's will was for my life.

       2 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

       It was like I was reading 2 Thessalonians over and over again through my friend's posts. It was a gentle reminder to me that giving thanks in all circumstance is God's will for me in Christ Jesus. And that praying continually is a command.  And what about being joyful.  Combing all three commands in verses 5:16-18 is definitely easier said than done.  Yet, when I saw it done through a 22 day commitment to be thankful, I also realized that I had received a blessing by someone putting those commands into action. I was truly thankful, too.

   

Holly Broden

Mentor Mom

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Mentor Moms' Monday

         Being Thankful

       I am relatively new to facebook.  I can say that!  Actually, I am on my second try at facebook as of November 12.   The first time--I didn't like it.   One of my friends asked me this time whether I liked it or not.  I really didn't know what to say. I hadn't made up my mind whether I liked it the second time around. I can now say that I have been blessed, not by facebook, but by my cyber friends' posts. By the way, they are real friends in my life as well.

      The realization came yesterday as I was reading a 22 day commitment to write out something this person was thankful for during the month of November.  It started November 1 and went through Thanksgiving Day.  What touched me was how vulnerable this person was willing to be during her 22 days of being thankful. It was and is heart warming. 

       It reminded me of 2 Thessalonians 5:16-18, and a light bulb moment I had one time when I was wondering what God's will was for my life.

       2 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

       It was like I was reading 2 Thessalonians over and over again through my friend's posts. It was a gentle reminder to me that giving thanks in all circumstance is God's will for me in Christ Jesus. And that praying continually is a command.  And what about being joyful.  Combing all three commands in verses 5:16-18 is definitely easier said than done.  Yet, when I saw it done through a 22 day commitment to be thankful, I also realized that I had received a blessing by someone putting those commands into action. I was truly thankful, too.

   

Holly Broden

Mentor Mom

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