Apples of Gold Dinner Party

A little bio on Apples of Gold: Betty Huizenga started the mentoring program, Apples of Gold, in 1995. It is a six-week program originally designed for the women of her church in Holland, MI. Apples of Gold was published in March 2000 by Cook Communications Ministries. (source)

AOG Ministries is an intergenerational women's mentoring program. 
It is based on Titus 2:3-5
"Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the work of God."

The ministry reaches out to young married and single women. 

Two years ago, I participated in the program. I loved it. If you'd like to see previous blog post from my Apples of Gold experience just do a search on this blog. Keyword: Apples of Gold. 
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Previous mentees were invited to this reunion dinner party. We welcomed the new mentees to the program.  The co-host asked me if I could bring my camera, She obviously doesn't know that 9 times out of 10, I have my DSLR in my bag. I was thrilled to take photos of the event.
One of the three tables - for the night.

AOG format (generally speaking): 

-Fellowship

-Cooking demonstration

-Mentors and Mentees are served a meal by the kitchen helpers

-Lesson and Prayer

-Parting Gift 
(last night, was just a reunion dinner party)


Here is a picture of the kitchen helpers who served us. Thanks ladies! 
  

The mentors and previous mentees arrived early and we stood in the entryway to greet the new girls as they walked in. They were surprised, especially, since I went all paparazzi on them. 

I'm not sure what's going on in the background, but I'm sure there's a story...

My precious friends.












After dinner, the mentors crowned their new mentees. I thought that was cute. The tiaras were a fun touch. Each mentor shared a scripture relating to crowning before placing the tiaras on them. 

It's a small gesture, but little stuff like that makes you feel special. Don't you think? 

I jokingly said I'd be happy to be their official photographer week after week, I could just leave after the meal. Yes, you can buy me in exchange for food. <---------That's the pregnancy talking.

On a serious note, over the next six weeks, I'll be praying for these ladies. I know they will enjoy Apples of Gold.

Apples of Gold: Hospitality

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Luke 6:38

Apples of Gold: Purity

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Phillipians 4:8

Menu:

Vegetable Pizza

Green Salad with Asiago Cheese, Nuts, & Dried Cranberries

Chicken Parmesan

Orange-Cranberry Rice Pilaf

Herbed Vegetable Medley

Refrigerator Rolls

White Chocolate Cake

Mother's Day

One of the ladies from Apples of Gold gave me this easy brisket recipe. Last night, I marinated the meat and this morning, before heading off to church, I placed it in the oven for a few hours. When we came home from church, it was practically ready. 

Easy, simple, and better than going out for lunch.

The sides were super easy too, especially since I'm still making Cheyenne's food a few weeks in advance. It's nice to have healthy options ready at a moments notice. The green beans were an organic can product, the potatoes were made in advance, and fresh farmers market greens and tomatoes.

I've also started making our ground beef and chicken in advance. So during the work week, I don't have to worry about it. It saves me anywhere from ten to forty minutes, not to mention one less pot I have to wash.

Well, I hope all the mommies out there have a wonderful day. We love you and appreciate you!

Apples of Gold: Submission

Ephesians 5:1-2

Watch what God does and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious, but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us, but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that. (Message) 

Menu

My Best Zucchini Bread

Poppy Seed Bread

La Madeleine's Tomato Basil Soup 

Spinach Salad

Quiche Lorraine

Carmel Baked Pears

As soon as my garden basil is ready, I'm making La Madeleine's Tomato Basil Soup! 

Apples of Gold: Loving Your Children

Last night, we discussed Loving your Children.

Thursday Night Menu

Mexican Fiesta Dip & Chips

Southwest Caesar Salad with Frico Cup

King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Refried Beans

Tortillas

Lime Pie

Apples of Gold: Loving Your Husband

Last night, at AOG, we made a delicious heart-shaped chocolate cake. As a parting gift, we received a white box and flash light . Inside the white box are four small chocolate treats.

When I got home, I walked in the door and showed Trey the cake and said, "Look what I made for you!" Trey loves sweets, especially cake.


The lesson we discussed was loving your husband. Last week I spent a lot of time reading the Song of Songs...Whoa! That's a steamy book! I had to keep telling myself, this is the BIBLE.

Here is the scripture that was attached to the flashlight.

Apples of Gold: Sowing Seeds of Kindness

Last night's AOG topic was on kindness. It got me thinking about my attitude and behavior towards others. I feel more aware and challenged to be more kind.

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12

As a parting gift, we received this basket, a metal plate (this is the day the Lord has made),  flower seeds, and a keepsake book.

Here is the keepsake book.

I love all the embellished details. Beautiful. I can't believe someone took the time to make this...I really appreciate it.

Food Demonstration: Old Fashioned Apple Crisps
This was the first cooking/baking demonstration we've had and it was more interactive than I expected. We gathered around the island, sliced apples, and tossed them with the dry ingredients. Our host, Faye, gave us helpful tips and showed us a few kitchen gadgets. Nutmeg grater was one of them. I'm glad we made this desert because I never would've made this on my own. If you want some, stop by my house, I have plenty to go round.