Mustard Seeds

The Month of April

This has been a pretty busy month. Well, not just pretty busy--really busy. I realized this last week that for the last four Saturdays, I've had to get up at 6:30 am to into major events, classes, etc. They have all been fabulous and fun and on the calendar for months, but it all just kind of "HIT" this month.

Thus, the lack of blogging. I have been taking pictures and thinking about you all though, so stay tuned, I'm hoping to put up some more in-depth posts. In the meantime, here's a glimpse of what we've been up to....and you know, just incase I decide to move on with life and start posting on curent life instead of the past.

Hill of Calvary Class...Matt was also gone on a 10-day fishing trip this whole week.

We made somes spring blossom (tissue paper) trees.

Jack learned to ride a bike without training wheels.

Beth learned how to drive a car.

All my tulips and daffodills came up! And much spring yard planting has commenced. Our forest area is on the fourth or fifth round of "cleaning out."

Passover celebration on Good Friday.

Easter Sunday at our house. Daddy and Grandpa back from fishing trip just in time for a fun family day.

Laundry for Kids post over at Beautifully Rooted.

I did the food for Kristen's CLICK CLASS.

The following Saturday, I had my SEW LOVELY class (more pics soon).

I had a private SEW LOVELY class with Kate.

 

Planned and posed a era-class photo for Anne's school fundraiser, and went to the evening event.

I swapped the back TV room with the front sitting room....all the furniture, books, TV, etc. moved in 2 hours with the help of 6 friends. More befores and afters to come soon.

Just a few more "things" to mark of my list this weekend and then I'm looking forward to MAY. Ahhhh....the warmer days of summer are coming. Needing to have more days where there is NOTHING on the calendar. Wide open space, ya know?

 

 

Hill of Calvary Class-Part 2

STATION #1

Did you know that Jesus was called the “ROCK?”

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

Why do you think they called him the ROCK?

STATION #2

Did you know that Jesus liked to make mud pies? He did and his mud pies healed and performed miracles.

After saying this, Jesus spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. Mark 6:6-7

“The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.” Mark 6:11

 

STATION #3

Did you know that our faith is like a tiny seed? Jesus told a story to people about how we can grow a big faith with just a little seed of belief and trust.

Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.” Mark 4:30-32

We are planting some tiny seeds here...and in just days we will see the grass begin to grow. Isn't that amazing?

STATION #4

When you think of sin, do you think of something clean or dirty? This dirt is kind of like our sin. Because we had sin, we couldn't be with God. But when Jesus died on the cross, our sin was forgiven and we were wash cleaned.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and the cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

...But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11

After the washing the station, they were encouraged to walk through the "temple" curtain, which was torn from top to bottom when Jesus died on the cross.

"With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom."  Mark 15:37-38

This means we now have direct contact with God. We can be with God again because he forgave our sins. Part the curtain and walk thru!

STATION 5

This is the Resurrection Cinema. Each kid got a ticket and popcorn and got to watch a short movie....

Did you know the story of Jesus didn't start at his crucifixion? Where did the story begin?

It began in the garden of Eden. You see when Adam and Eve sinned, what happened?

That's right they were separated from God because they disobeyed and sinned. Do you ever disobey? Well, God and sin do not go together. Because of their sin they had to leave the garden, but God had a plan to help us get back to him?

What do you think it was? That's right....the Plan, the Savior, our Hero was Jesus. Let's watch about when Jesus first came to earth.

These are the little ticket takers.

STATION 6

Why are we making three crosses instead of just one? Who was on the other two crosses?

Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Matt. 27:38

What was the difference between these men and Jesus? The men were evil and had really done something wrong and sinned. But Jesus was pure and sinless. He died on the cross for OUR sins.

One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:40-43

STATION 7:

What is sin?

He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. Romans 4:25

What are some sins in your life? Discuss. Write words on the rocks.

So who did Jesus die for? You! Me! But he didn't just die! He rose from the dead, conquering our sin and death itself.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

LAST STOP:

Can you tell me the answer to my riddle?

Me: He is risen!

Child: He is risen, INDEED!

A sweet peep on a stick to remind you of how sweet our salvation is in Jesus.

Hill of Calvary Class-Part 1

The Easter Workshop/Hill of Calvary class was a SO much fun on Saturday. We had a great turnout (50-60 bodies in my backyard) and beautiful weather (there was supposed to have been gusts of wind, but the Lord quieted the day and it was just a gentle breeze and sunshine).

I had so many wonderful people volunteer to work at each of the stations. Here's Jackie and Jenae chalking out the road to Calvary with events of the Easter story. The kids rode around the driveway.

Everyone got donuts and hot chocolate to start.

Then, we opened the day with the telling of the Easter story.

Then everyone grouped-up and began to make their way through the station....see Hill of Calvary class part 2 in the next post....

Still Room in SEW LOVELY

There is still room in the the April 21 SEW LOVELY class. Sign up now!

Go here for all the details.

What are you doing next Thursday?

What are you doing next Thursday, March 1? I'd love to see you the Moms of Faith Morning Coffee at my church. I'll be sharing "Becoming a Woman of Influence in Your Child's Faith," emphasizing the upcoming season of Easter.

These morning coffee events happen on the first Thursday of each month. And, they are relaxed and so much fun. Come and learn about fun activities to do with your child during Easter....there will be some awesome giveaways (I'm just sayin.)

This event is free, but there is small fee for childcare. Sign up now right here.

 

The Next SEW LOVELY

Would you like to learn to sew? I would love to see you the next SEW LOVELY class. Go here for all the details.

The next class is Saturday, April 21.

Sew Lovely Recipes

I almost forgot to post about the SEW LOVELY food! We can't forget the food because it's a VERY important part of the day. Here are the recipes.

French Toast Casserole

1 loaf French bread, cut or torn into 1-inch chunks

1 pkg. frozen berries, do not thaw

1 pkg. cream cheese

12 eggs

2 cups milk

1/3 cup syrup

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Grease 9 x 11 inch casserole dish. Layer half of the bread chunks on the bottom. Disperse the cream cheese evenly for the next layer. (I use my hands and break up the cream cheese into little pieces.) Layer on frozen berries. Top with the rest of the bread. In a bowl, beat, eggs, milk, syrup and cinnamon. Pour evenly over dish. Refrigerate overnight. Bake covered on 350 degrees for 30 minutes and then another 30 minutes uncovered. Serve with whip cream, syrup, powdered sugar, etc.

Cucumber Sandwiches

1 cocktail-style pumpernickel bread loaf, from the deli section of the store

1 English cucumber, thinly sliced

1 block cream cheese

2 tsp. fresh diced chives or 2 green onions finely diced

1 tsp. summer savory

1/2 tsp. fresh garlic

salt/pepper to taste

Mix all the seasonings with the cream cheese and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Spread cream cheese on slice of bread and top with a cucumber slice.

Taco Soup

1 small onion, diced

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef

3 small cans diced green chillies

3 - 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes

1 pkg. taco seasoning

1 pkg. ranch dressing

1 can pinto beans, drained

1 can ranch beans, drained

1 can kidney beans, drained

1 can black beans, drained

1 can yellow hominy, drained

 1 1/2 cup water

Brown meat and onions. Throw all ingredients into a crock pot and cook on low all day (at least 4-5 hours). Serve with chips, grated cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, sour cream, etc.

Mexican Caesar Salad

Romaine lettuce, thinly sliced

Cool Ranch Doritos

Mexican-style cotija cheese, I can only find this at Super Walmart

Cilantro Lime Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 4 tsp. minced cilantro
• 1 tsp. lime juice
• 1 tsp. white wine vinegar
• 1tsp.sugar
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 1 tsp. minced fresh onion
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne
• 1/8 tsp. cumin
• 1/8 tsp. pepper

Whisk together all dressing ingredients. I used my immersion blender. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Right before serving: toss greens, cheese, dressing and crushed Doritos together.

Grape Salsa

2 cups coarsely chopped red seedless grapes

1/2 cup chopped green onions

1/2 cup diced fresh or canned Anaheim chilies

2 Tbls. chopped cilantro

2 Tbls. balsamic vinegar

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. bottled hot pepper seasoning

Combine all ingredients in medium bowl, mix well. Let stand at least 1 hour before serving. Drain off excess liquid before serving. Makes about 2 cups.

The Best-Ever Homemade Pecan Pie

SEW LOVELY vacancy!

There's been a cancellation for this Saturday's SEW LOVELY retreat! If you are interested, email me right away...janna@mustardseedswriting.com.

See full details of the class here.

 

ADORN class

 

We had a wonderful time at the ADORN class on Tuesday night. It was so fun meeting all you ladies.

There's still one class left, so if you are interested in attending the Dec.15 class, leave me a comment or shoot me an email.

Come for Christmas Fun on Thursday!

I want to invite you all to my church this Thursday for a MOMS of Faith morning coffee. (You don't have to go to Faith Bible Chapel to come.)

Thursday, Dec. 1, from 9 to 11 a.m.

Faith Bible Chapel Atrium

(6250 Wright St, Arvada, CO--right off of Ward Rd.)

You won't want to miss this time of food and fun as we prepare for the Christmas season. We'll talk about how to regain the joy and excitement of Advent—even amidst the busyness of the Christmas season. And let's be honest, Christmas can be BUSY, especially for moms like you. So come and get some ideas for recipes, decorating and how to share the wonder of Christ's birth with your family.

The event is free, but there is a small fee for childcare: $3 for one child, $5 for two or more.

No RVSP needed this time—just show up! I hope I'll see you there.