Good Friday

Friday purchased Sunday! Rejoice this weekend with your family because He lives. Even if you were the only one He would of died just for you! The nails didn't keep Him on the cross- love did! Happy Easter!

 

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca



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Good Friday

Friday purchased Sunday! Rejoice this weekend with your family because He lives. Even if you were the only one He would of died just for you! The nails didn't keep Him on the cross- love did! Happy Easter!

 

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca



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Thrifty Thursday- The Free Gift of Salvation

The gift of salvation is free to all who want it. I again want to extend my invitation. If you have questions about this topic or you are wanting to be saved we (MOPS steering team and mentor moms) are happy to talk with you and to pray with you. This is done with privacy and discretion. I know I am so thankful to the Godly women in my life who have been instrumental in my growing as a Christian woman. There is no greater gift ever given and it was given with YOU in mind! If you want to explore God's plan for salvation please click here

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca
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Thrifty Thursday- The Free Gift of Salvation

The gift of salvation is free to all who want it. I again want to extend my invitation. If you have questions about this topic or you are wanting to be saved we (MOPS steering team and mentor moms) are happy to talk with you and to pray with you. This is done with privacy and discretion. I know I am so thankful to the Godly women in my life who have been instrumental in my growing as a Christian woman. There is no greater gift ever given and it was given with YOU in mind! If you want to explore God's plan for salvation please click here

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca
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Women in the Word-The Face of Christ

Stunningly told-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ykf9t_vh4nw

Look to the Cross my friends.

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca
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Women in the Word-The Face of Christ

Stunningly told-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ykf9t_vh4nw

Look to the Cross my friends.

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca
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Tasty Tuesday-Easter Leftovers

I don't know about you but I am not very ambitious when it comes to leftovers. I find that with our leftover ham and hardboiled eggs I usually just make sandwiches out of them. By the third day my family is begging for mercy from my lazy leftovers. Here are some recipes to save you from leftover torture.

1.Ham and Noodle Casserole-  http://allrecipes.com/recipe/ham-and-noodle-casserole/detail.aspx

2. Ham and Swiss Loaded Potatoes http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/ham-and-swiss-loaded-potatoes-10000000222881/


3. This recipe uses both the ham and eggs-http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Amy-s-Green-Eggs-and-Ham

4. Ham and Cheese Strata- http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Ham--n--Cheese-Strata

5. Ranch Ham Pasta Salad-http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/ranch-ham-and-pasta-salad/3685d724-2d51-45ad-a730-04254bbcf022

What are your favorite ways to use leftover ham? 

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca

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Tasty Tuesday-Easter Leftovers

I don't know about you but I am not very ambitious when it comes to leftovers. I find that with our leftover ham and hardboiled eggs I usually just make sandwiches out of them. By the third day my family is begging for mercy from my lazy leftovers. Here are some recipes to save you from leftover torture.

1.Ham and Noodle Casserole-  http://allrecipes.com/recipe/ham-and-noodle-casserole/detail.aspx

2. Ham and Swiss Loaded Potatoes http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/ham-and-swiss-loaded-potatoes-10000000222881/


3. This recipe uses both the ham and eggs-http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Amy-s-Green-Eggs-and-Ham

4. Ham and Cheese Strata- http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Ham--n--Cheese-Strata

5. Ranch Ham Pasta Salad-http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/ranch-ham-and-pasta-salad/3685d724-2d51-45ad-a730-04254bbcf022

What are your favorite ways to use leftover ham? 

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca

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Getting to know next years outreach/prayer & care coordinator!

When I first got asked to take on this roll, I thought whoa do I have big shoes to fill!  I know everyone can agree with me that Rebecca has done an amazing job with this position!  Talk about such a kind, giving, caring woman of God!  Thank you for your friendship and making me feel so welcome when I first joined the MOPS group!  Rebecca has asked me to write a little about myself so you can all get to know me better.

You are first off probably thinking "Mieka?" that's a different name!  My dads family is from the Netherlands so it is a dutch name.  In English it is a form of Mary.  I grew up in Le Sueur, MN(near St. Peter/Mankato) and then moved up to the cities to attend college at Northwestern Bible College.  A friend that I met at Northwestern introduced me to my husband Steve.  We dated for 6 years and were then married in 2006.  We now live in Andover with our 3 children Bryce(4 yrs) Alivia(2 yrs) and Drew (6 mos).  We attend Eagle Brook Church in Spring Lake Park.  I found MOPS through my mother-in-law Kathy Tokle who is the head mentor mom.  I have been in MOPS for 4 years now!
I am so excited to be taking on this new role!  I feel like the Lord has called me to serve and step out of my comfort zone(pray for me;))!  I am so excited to get to know you all better!  Please feel free to come talk/email me if you have any other questions or prayer requests or just need someone to talk to!  I am here!  
Have a wonderful Easter with your families!
In Christ,
Mieka Tokle Pin It

Getting to know next years outreach/prayer & care coordinator!

When I first got asked to take on this roll, I thought whoa do I have big shoes to fill!  I know everyone can agree with me that Rebecca has done an amazing job with this position!  Talk about such a kind, giving, caring woman of God!  Thank you for your friendship and making me feel so welcome when I first joined the MOPS group!  Rebecca has asked me to write a little about myself so you can all get to know me better.

You are first off probably thinking "Mieka?" that's a different name!  My dads family is from the Netherlands so it is a dutch name.  In English it is a form of Mary.  I grew up in Le Sueur, MN(near St. Peter/Mankato) and then moved up to the cities to attend college at Northwestern Bible College.  A friend that I met at Northwestern introduced me to my husband Steve.  We dated for 6 years and were then married in 2006.  We now live in Andover with our 3 children Bryce(4 yrs) Alivia(2 yrs) and Drew (6 mos).  We attend Eagle Brook Church in Spring Lake Park.  I found MOPS through my mother-in-law Kathy Tokle who is the head mentor mom.  I have been in MOPS for 4 years now!
I am so excited to be taking on this new role!  I feel like the Lord has called me to serve and step out of my comfort zone(pray for me;))!  I am so excited to get to know you all better!  Please feel free to come talk/email me if you have any other questions or prayer requests or just need someone to talk to!  I am here!  
Have a wonderful Easter with your families!
In Christ,
Mieka Tokle Pin It

Fashion Friday

I don't know about you but I miss this......

and this...

and this.....

this....

I can't wait for this!

How about you?

 

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca



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Fashion Friday

I don't know about you but I miss this......

and this...

and this.....

this....

I can't wait for this!

How about you?

 

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca



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Thrifty Thursday-Kids Club

Thanks, Joelle, for sending this my way. Rainbow is offering a new kids club with some fun benefits. If interested check out the link http://www.burbleandfriends.com/

Also, if you are ever looking for a free, fun, and rewarding activity please check out Feed My Starving Children http://www.fmsc.org/
It's amazing that something so fun can be so rewading!

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca

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Thrifty Thursday-Kids Club

Thanks, Joelle, for sending this my way. Rainbow is offering a new kids club with some fun benefits. If interested check out the link http://www.burbleandfriends.com/

Also, if you are ever looking for a free, fun, and rewarding activity please check out Feed My Starving Children http://www.fmsc.org/
It's amazing that something so fun can be so rewading!

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca

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Women in the Word-Wanting to be Wanted

This is a great devotional about the need to be chosen and the effects of being rejected in our friendships. Let me know what you think. http://www.crosswalk.com/blogs/brooke-mcglothlin/for-the-girl-who-just-wants-to-be-wanted.html


~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca
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Women in the Word-Wanting to be Wanted

This is a great devotional about the need to be chosen and the effects of being rejected in our friendships. Let me know what you think. http://www.crosswalk.com/blogs/brooke-mcglothlin/for-the-girl-who-just-wants-to-be-wanted.html


~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca
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Tasty Tuesday-Meatloaf Muffins

The recipe has moved. Please visit http://andasprinkleoflove.com/2013/08/27/meatloaf-muffins/  for recipe.



 

 

 

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca



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Mentor Moms Monday - Having an Ageless Attitude

"What age would you be if you didn't know what age you are?"

When I was nine years old my mother turned 40.  I can remember saying to her, "Forty! That's really old."  Well at nine the gap seemed unfathomable.   In my thirties, my mom called, saying she was wallpapering her living room.  I remember saying to my sister, "No one in their sixties should be on a ladder." (we did volunteer to help - got a "no")

When I turned forty mom reminded me that "forty is so old!"  and we laughed about it.  Now I'm in my sixties and I wouldn't hesitate to wallpaper (except that I'm not that fond of wallpapering)  but I certainly climb a few ladders now and again.  (If you volunteered to help I would say "yes")

Mom is still teaching me about the relevance of age....at a healthy 93 soon to be 94 (May) she is still driving, living independently, grocery shopping and much to the shock and worry of her three children (2 in their sixties and 1 in her fifties) shoveling and raking!

I have come to the conclusion that the number of years we have been blessed to be alive has a lot less to do with our attitude about age than our choices to live the life we have.

Not everyone is blessed with good health - but if you are - use it!   Not everyone is blessed to enjoy 93 birthday's - but you can embrace with JOY the next birthday you do celebrate.

We don't start out limiting activities with our children....we never tell them not to walk or talk too early....or not to advance beyond their years in education.... where does the attitude for reaching out to do and be your best change from something we encourage to something we try to limit?

God knew what He was doing when He allowed me to have a mother who could live long enough to show me that we are never too old to be useful, valuable, loved.   Don't put limits on yourself because of a silly number on a calendar designed only as a way to mark time....not live it!

I include a few photos of my times of limited thinking attitudes on age - looking back now, I laugh at my perspective ....it took me a really long time to figure it out!

 You can be your best at any age - if you choose to!

Mom (41) Baby Sister (6 mo) Me (9) Brother (11)

Psalm 92:14 They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.



Me (40) Mom (71)

 My son (42) Mom (92)

 

Embrace the wonderful you!                                   

Cheryl

 

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Mentor Moms Monday - Having an Ageless Attitude

"What age would you be if you didn't know what age you are?"

When I was nine years old my mother turned 40.  I can remember saying to her, "Forty! That's really old."  Well at nine the gap seemed unfathomable.   In my thirties, my mom called, saying she was wallpapering her living room.  I remember saying to my sister, "No one in their sixties should be on a ladder." (we did volunteer to help - got a "no")

When I turned forty mom reminded me that "forty is so old!"  and we laughed about it.  Now I'm in my sixties and I wouldn't hesitate to wallpaper (except that I'm not that fond of wallpapering)  but I certainly climb a few ladders now and again.  (If you volunteered to help I would say "yes")

Mom is still teaching me about the relevance of age....at a healthy 93 soon to be 94 (May) she is still driving, living independently, grocery shopping and much to the shock and worry of her three children (2 in their sixties and 1 in her fifties) shoveling and raking!

I have come to the conclusion that the number of years we have been blessed to be alive has a lot less to do with our attitude about age than our choices to live the life we have.

Not everyone is blessed with good health - but if you are - use it!   Not everyone is blessed to enjoy 93 birthday's - but you can embrace with JOY the next birthday you do celebrate.

We don't start out limiting activities with our children....we never tell them not to walk or talk too early....or not to advance beyond their years in education.... where does the attitude for reaching out to do and be your best change from something we encourage to something we try to limit?

God knew what He was doing when He allowed me to have a mother who could live long enough to show me that we are never too old to be useful, valuable, loved.   Don't put limits on yourself because of a silly number on a calendar designed only as a way to mark time....not live it!

I include a few photos of my times of limited thinking attitudes on age - looking back now, I laugh at my perspective ....it took me a really long time to figure it out!

 You can be your best at any age - if you choose to!

Mom (41) Baby Sister (6 mo) Me (9) Brother (11)

Psalm 92:14 They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.



Me (40) Mom (71)

 My son (42) Mom (92)

 

Embrace the wonderful you!                                   

Cheryl

 

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Thrifty Thursday-Happy Money Saver

Here is a great blog I found that is all about being more frugal and getting the most for your money. I love discovering new ways to save our family a little time and money. What is your favorite frugal living tip?  http://happymoneysaver.com/

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca
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Thrifty Thursday-Happy Money Saver

Here is a great blog I found that is all about being more frugal and getting the most for your money. I love discovering new ways to save our family a little time and money. What is your favorite frugal living tip?  http://happymoneysaver.com/

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca
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Women in the Word-How to Breathe Through the Hard Times

This is a great and inspiring read. Be sure to watch the youtube video at the end of the blog post-it brought tears to my eyes. http://www.aholyexperience.com/2013/01/how-to-breathe-through-the-hard-times/

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca
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Women in the Word-How to Breathe Through the Hard Times

This is a great and inspiring read. Be sure to watch the youtube video at the end of the blog post-it brought tears to my eyes. http://www.aholyexperience.com/2013/01/how-to-breathe-through-the-hard-times/

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca
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Tasty Tuesday- St Patrick's Day

Here are some fun festive recipes to make with your family. My kids love to cook and decorate for every single holiday or special day. We usually make green mashed potatoes and milk and have a fun rainbow dessert. What do you do to celebrate or make it festive?

1.Pot of gold Chex mix
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/pot-o-gold-chex--mix/18dffbcf-fa1e-4238-b860-6db3eea79740

2. Shamrock cookies
http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/shamrock-cookies/113c1609-cecf-43d6-871b-85c7b022977d

3. Copy Cat McDonalds Shamrock shake
http://www.food.com/recipe/copycat-mcdonalds-shamrock-shake-113457

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca Pin It

Tasty Tuesday- St Patrick's Day

Here are some fun festive recipes to make with your family. My kids love to cook and decorate for every single holiday or special day. We usually make green mashed potatoes and milk and have a fun rainbow dessert. What do you do to celebrate or make it festive?

1.Pot of gold Chex mix
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/pot-o-gold-chex--mix/18dffbcf-fa1e-4238-b860-6db3eea79740

2. Shamrock cookies
http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/shamrock-cookies/113c1609-cecf-43d6-871b-85c7b022977d

3. Copy Cat McDonalds Shamrock shake
http://www.food.com/recipe/copycat-mcdonalds-shamrock-shake-113457

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca Pin It

Friday Funny-Funny Videos

Here a few little funnies to start your weekend! My secret is out-on my free time if I'm not pinning I'm looking for a good laugh:)

What you only expect to see in movies. http://youtu.be/DjtniQ3JmrE


These poor guys http://youtu.be/lFBSRoQMZWo

This one just cracks me up everytime! http://youtu.be/wF73LiqP69g

Have a great weekend!

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca

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Friday Funny-Funny Videos

Here a few little funnies to start your weekend! My secret is out-on my free time if I'm not pinning I'm looking for a good laugh:)

What you only expect to see in movies. http://youtu.be/DjtniQ3JmrE


These poor guys http://youtu.be/lFBSRoQMZWo

This one just cracks me up everytime! http://youtu.be/wF73LiqP69g

Have a great weekend!

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca

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Thrifty Thursday-Spring Break

For many it is Spring Break this upcoming week. Here are some fun free or cheap activities you can enjoy with your family. 1. FAMILY DAY at the Minneapolis Institute of Art- Www.Artsmia.org Family Day: Cityscape Sunday, March 10, 2013 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. museum-wide Celebrate cities big and small at this free family event. Draw a bustling city scene inspired by the Minneapolis skyline. Fashion a fabulous skyscraper hat. And, check out the MIA's exhibition, "The World at Work." As always admission is FREE! 2. Lil explorer Thursday at Como Zoo-FREE check out the link for more info 3. Toddler Tuesday event at Mall of America (not just for toddlers) older kiddos can have fun with discounted ride passes. Check out this link for more info on March 12th event 4. St Patrick's parade, St Paul. Follow link to check time and list of parade participants. 5. How about calling up another MOPS mom or two and getting together for that playmate you've been meaning to plan. What plans do you have? ~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~ Rebecca Pin It

Thrifty Thursday-Spring Break

For many it is Spring Break this upcoming week. Here are some fun free or cheap activities you can enjoy with your family. 1. FAMILY DAY at the Minneapolis Institute of Art- Www.Artsmia.org Family Day: Cityscape Sunday, March 10, 2013 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. museum-wide Celebrate cities big and small at this free family event. Draw a bustling city scene inspired by the Minneapolis skyline. Fashion a fabulous skyscraper hat. And, check out the MIA's exhibition, "The World at Work." As always admission is FREE! 2. Lil explorer Thursday at Como Zoo-FREE check out the link for more info 3. Toddler Tuesday event at Mall of America (not just for toddlers) older kiddos can have fun with discounted ride passes. Check out this link for more info on March 12th event 4. St Patrick's parade, St Paul. Follow link to check time and list of parade participants. 5. How about calling up another MOPS mom or two and getting together for that playmate you've been meaning to plan. What plans do you have? ~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~ Rebecca Pin It

Women in the Word-Sharing What you Have

This was a nice reminder for me. Sometimes I forget what it is all about.  Remember others starts with your own family.

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca
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Women in the Word-Sharing What you Have

This was a nice reminder for me. Sometimes I forget what it is all about.  Remember others starts with your own family.

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca
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Mentor Mom's Monday - Celebrate the Small Things

     My son has been passionate about fishing since he was three years old. By age four, he would literally sneak out of the house to go fishing. When I got this picture in my email I was expecting to see a photo of him with a huge fish, so imagine my surprise when I saw this.  I saw the delight in his eyes and could just hear him saying, "Take a picture!" It turns out his real delight is in the fishing and not limited by the size of the fish. Don't get me wrong, he loves to catch the big ones and often does, but until I saw this picture I never realized he would also rejoice in a small fish.....what a joy for me to see.

     Sometimes we can get so focused on the big events, the milestones in life, that we forget to celebrate the small joys.  The weed picked by a child and hand delivered as a precious rose, the scribbled picture that we see as abstract and they see as an image of something specifically wonderful. A sleepy smile and hug in the morning....so many small moments making up a wonderful life experience.

     It's also good to remember what Jesus can do with our smallest offering, no matter what age we are. Consider the story of the loaves and fishes (Matthew 15). Well over 4,000 people were there that day when Jesus, wanting to feed them, asked the disciples, 'what they had'....'seven loaves and a few small fish.' Jesus took it, gave thanks, broke it and fed the multitude. 

     Maybe you're just going along, day-to-day, being faithful in the small things, but feeling like you haven't much to show for it.

     Why not catch it in your heart, HOLD IT UP, and ask the Lord to take it, bless it, multiply it and use it to work in a way that will bless you and those around you! 

Celebrate the small things today, because someday you'll realize they are a huge, precious gift.

Joy in these moments of grace, 

Cheryl

They call it fishing!

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Mentor Mom's Monday - Celebrate the Small Things

     My son has been passionate about fishing since he was three years old. By age four, he would literally sneak out of the house to go fishing. When I got this picture in my email I was expecting to see a photo of him with a huge fish, so imagine my surprise when I saw this.  I saw the delight in his eyes and could just hear him saying, "Take a picture!" It turns out his real delight is in the fishing and not limited by the size of the fish. Don't get me wrong, he loves to catch the big ones and often does, but until I saw this picture I never realized he would also rejoice in a small fish.....what a joy for me to see.

     Sometimes we can get so focused on the big events, the milestones in life, that we forget to celebrate the small joys.  The weed picked by a child and hand delivered as a precious rose, the scribbled picture that we see as abstract and they see as an image of something specifically wonderful. A sleepy smile and hug in the morning....so many small moments making up a wonderful life experience.

     It's also good to remember what Jesus can do with our smallest offering, no matter what age we are. Consider the story of the loaves and fishes (Matthew 15). Well over 4,000 people were there that day when Jesus, wanting to feed them, asked the disciples, 'what they had'....'seven loaves and a few small fish.' Jesus took it, gave thanks, broke it and fed the multitude. 

     Maybe you're just going along, day-to-day, being faithful in the small things, but feeling like you haven't much to show for it.

     Why not catch it in your heart, HOLD IT UP, and ask the Lord to take it, bless it, multiply it and use it to work in a way that will bless you and those around you! 

Celebrate the small things today, because someday you'll realize they are a huge, precious gift.

Joy in these moments of grace, 

Cheryl

They call it fishing!

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