November 10th Meeting - Holidazed!

Susan Ely gave us some great advice about keeping calm during the holidays! Did you know that the word "tradition" originates from the word "treason"? Don't betray God by forgetting the true meaning of the season!You can also check out her new kindle book at http://holidazedbook.com/

Susan's best holiday cooking, entertaining, and Grocery Shopping Tips for the holidays:

1. Stock up on staples like butter, cream, and sugar when they go on sale - anything you know you'll use in multiples over the next month.
2. Load up your freezer with meat NOW while its on sale, because in a couple of weeks all that will be on sale is turkey and filet mignon.
3. Don't try to be Martha Stewart. Develop 1 or 2 signature dishes, then try your hand at variations.
4. If you plan on baking, do a quick spice inventory and check dates. Old Allspice doesn't taste like allspice; it just tastes old.
5. Make your own whipped cream at a fraction of the cost. Please. Your store-bought pumpkin pie will be redeemed and your guests will think you're a genius.
6. Avoid the Christmas week killer grocery bill by picking up a few things each week between now and Christmas.
7. Make my mashed potato casserole. It will save you untold last minute stress and everyone loves it:
   
   Ingredients
1. 1 - 8oz. package cream cheese, softened
2. 5 cups hot mashed potatoes (8-9 med)
3. 1 egg, beaten
4. 1/2 tsp. salt
5. dash pepper
6. dash cayenne pepper
7. 1/2 tsp. paprika
8. 2 Tbsp. chopped chives
   
   Instructions
   Beat cream cheese and add hot mashed potatoes; combine.
   Add rest of ingredients, beating thoroughly and turn into buttered 1 1/2 quart casserole or souffle dish, swirling potatoes on top with a knife.
   Brush top with melted butter, springle with a bit more paprika, and bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.
   May prepare 1-2 days ahead, up o point of baking. Refrigerate and then bake at time of serving.
8. In busy weeks before the holidays, make friends with rotisserie chicken: Use in ceasar salad, soup, on top of pasta, chicken salad, tostadas and tacos, quick soup, and casseroles. Save the carcass to make a tasty stock.
9. When you have overnight houseguests write a note with instructions on how to operate the tub and shower. What looks like a no-brainer to you can be very frustrating when you're standing there naked.
10. Learn to make a decent cup of coffee.

Sara Watford from Perfectly Posh was our sponsor this week! Check out her Facebook page. 

Perfectly Posh is a line of skincare products that are: 

• Paraben-free and paraffin-free
• SLS Free
• Gluten free
• Soy free
• made with essential oils
• full of butters, oils, and other nourishing ingredients
• preserved with gentle, effective vitamin E
• MADE IN THE USA!

In November and December our kids are learning about Daniel and how he honored and obeyed God!

Big Idea: With God I can!
Song: Awesome God

Key Verse: Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God"

Bible Story: Daniel Chapters 1 and 6

Daniel and his friends were told to eat the King's rich food and drink wine. However, Daniel and his friends refused, only eating fruits and vegetables and drinking water, keeping their bodies clean in God's eyes. They were healthy because they chose to honor God! Daniel also honored and obeyed God by continuing to pray to him when others tried to get him in trouble. Daniel was thrown into a den of Lions, but God calmed the lions and saved him! We can honor God in our lives too.

Announcements

 Yankee Candle Fundraiser Money is now overdue! Please email Kara at CrossroadsRaleighMOPS@gmail.com if you were unable to turn in your money at the last meeting.

 Thank you to everyone who brought shoebox items to the last meeting! Don't forget to turn the boxes in during collection week starting November 16th  - 23rd. Please also include a $7 donation per box to cover shipping.

 This Sunday, Nov 15th, at 6:30pm in the Millbrook worship center, Crossroads Fellowship will have Babbie Mason perform a worship concert. All are welcome and you can find ticketing information HERE

At our December 8th meeting please bring a small $1-$2 gift for the wonderful childcare workers that take care of your children each meeting! Please bring any gifts to our MOPS room and NOT directly to the teacher, so we can package them all together in gift bags. Below is the list of child care workers for each class:

Next week Sarah's group will be responsible for bringing brunch. Please sign up HERE to specify what items you will be bringing!

We will watch a great video from MOPS international and have some discussion time in our small groups!  Plus, we will be making a fun craft! You won't want to miss this wonderful time with friends!