Laurie's Everyday Notions

 Last night I hosted bible study (we rotate houses each week) so yesterday morning I panicked as I looked through the cupboard to see what I had to work with. Hmm......Wildtree Mocha Mousse and Cheesecake Blend? I've made this before and found it a little boring so I began thinking of ways that I could "dress it up". The following recipe is what I came up with. Of course as I was formulating my dessert in my head I realized that the deliciousness of this treat would increase with proper presentation. I think it was a hit. Click HERE for a printable recipe! Mocha Mousse and Berry Parfait Mix together a few hours before “assembly” and place in the refrigerator: 12 oz. cream cheese (or neufchatel cheese - can’t even taste the difference!) 4 T. Wildtree Mocha Mousse and Cheesecake Blend ¼ C. heavy whipping cream Just before the guests arrive whip up in a chilled mixing bowl until cream forms “peaks”: Pint heavy whipping cream sprinkle of Nustevia...

Last night I shared my heart stirrings  for children. The children living in poverty, the homeless children, the orphaned children......the children who are all in the need of love, in need of a human connection, in need of an advocate whose voice will be heard......my heart breaks for these. One woman I omitted last night from my list of inspiring women was Michele-Lyn, author of the blog A Life Surrendered . In October 2012 she wrote this post  regarding her trip with World Hope to Guatemala. Hers words had me weeping. The photo of her holding a baby during her Operation Baby Rescue? Sobbing. Shoulders shaking, chest gripping, gasping for air sobs. As I cried I thought, "This. I want to be a part of this." And through my tears I clicked over to Operation Baby Rescue and watched this video: More body shaking sobs followed by the feeling of helplessness. How could this homeschooling, daycare mama with limited financial resources help? Michele-Lyn gave me the answer...

My heart has always been pulled towards children. Children have been a constant all my life. I loved babysitting during my teen years. After graduating I went to college to pursue my degree in Elementary Education - it only took about five breaks from school and twelve years but eventually I did receive my degree. I taught in a preschool center for two years before opening my own in-home child care nine years ago. Oh, and how can I forget my own children.....those two precious beings that completely captured my heart and turned my life upside down.  Defend the poor and fatherless;  Do justice to the afflicted and needy. 4  Deliver the poor and needy;  Free them from the hand of the wicked. Psalm 82:3-4 I am also moved emotionally by social injustices. Racism, human trafficking, woman and children who are trapped in abusive relationships are just a few that break my heart and open the tear ducts. My tears flow when I think of the children b...