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June 5, 2014
     
Out on a Limb
....the birds of the air can perch in its shade. Mark 4: 30-32 

The Mustard Seed


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Do you like peppers?  I know many who really appreciate them, but I'm not one of them.  I think peppers are the kind of food that most either like a lot or not at all. Most people I know would say they like "spicy" food or "mild" food, not "lukewarm" food.  When it comes to food, I'm on the mild side, with an occasional foray into lukewarm.  You won't ever catch me eating a hot pepper, and probably not even a sweet one; I think they're too hot as well!  
How about you, would you classify your taste for food as hot or mild?  
How about your faith, is it hot, cold, or lukewarm?

 

Jesus has a lot to say about our faith, constantly reminding us that we should be on fire for Him.  When it comes to faith, "Hot" is good!  I think 1 John 2:15-16, referencing the love of the things in this world, might be an example of cold faith: "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world -- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life -- comes not from the Father, but from the world."  Perhaps Philippians 4:8 is an example of the things we think about if our faith is hot: "Finally, brothers and sisters, 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." 

 

Unfortunately, many of us can often be rightfully accused of having lukewarm faith, sometimes hot, sometimes cold, perhaps often vacillating in between.  In our culture, speaking boldly about our faith isn't politically correct, and the Church of Christ has suffered for it.  This is what God says about lukewarm Christians in Revelation 3:15-16: "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!  So, because you are lukewarm -- neither hot nor cold -- I am about to spit you out of my mouth."  I don't know about you, but I certainly take this verse to heart, and I want to be "Hot" in my faith, even if it isn't politically correct.

 

From my perspective, regardless of what you believe, I really respect those who stand proud in their beliefs.  I think all of us should be able to share openly and honestly about our faith, without judgment, and in loving fashion.  I believe God is our Creator, and our Redeemer, that Christ is the only way to heaven...I believe this because He has transformed my heart from the inside out, making a messenger out of a murderer.  Some are offended by my saying this so bluntly, but, if I didn't, I would be a lukewarm Christian.  Romans 1:16 sums up my feelings: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile."  As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!  How about you and your house?
 
Carpe Diem for Christ,
Mark Halla
Steward

 

Peppers 101

There are well over a hundred types of peppers out there in the world; some are sweet and tangy, while others are eye-watering spicy. The Sweet Bell Pepper (shown in the image) is one of the more mild peppers in the bunch. These are the types of peppers that even your children won't cringe about; they provide great color and delicious taste to any stir-fry. Now, if you're one of many people who prefer the hot spice that peppers have to offer, be brave and try out the Ghost Pepper; with more than 1 million heat units, be sure to have a glass of water close by.

 

 

 

 

 

How To Grow Your Own:
HOT, HOT Peppers!

Start out with 1/3 good garden soil (do not use clay soil, it does not compact well), 1/3 vermiculite or similar growing medium, and 1/3 sand. Sand? Yes, sand; hot pepper plants LOVE sand because many pepper varieties originate in areas with sandy soil. Mix all three ingredients together. Next, find a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of sunlight, more the better. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep; and keep the seeds moist, but not soaked.

(www.pepperjoe.com)

 

 



Cheese-Stuffed 
Grilled Peppers (yum!)
Ingredients:
1. 1 cup ricotta cheese (8 oz.)
2. 1 cup cream cheese, at room temperature
3. 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
4. Salt and freshly ground pepper
5. 4 Anaheim or Cubanelle Peppers
6. 4 baby bell peppers
7. 4 small poblano chiles
8. Extra-virgin olive oil, for rubbing
Process:
A. In a medium bowl, blend the ricotta with the cream cheese and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Season with salt and pepper.
B. Light a grill or heat a grill pan. Using a small, sharp knife, remove the stems from the peppers and reserve. Cut around inside the peppers to detach the membranes and remove the seeds. Using a butter knife, fill the peppers with the cheese 
mixture and reattach the tops. Rub the peppers with olive oil.
C. Grill the peppers over moderately high heat, turning occasionally, 
until blistered all over and the cheese filling is piping hot, about 
seven minutes. Transfer the peppers to plates and serve.

If you want to prepare ahead of time, the cheese-filled peppers can be refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature before putting them on the grill.

submitted by: John Lancaster and Robert Perkings with www.foodandwine.com/
 
The Buzz 
 
Happy Father's Day!
Check us out for great gift ideas.

 

 

The Crew 

When you hit the gym, pumping out some bench presses feels pretty good. There's not always that same great feeling pushing large trees around for a day. 

So let our crew take on that load and do the 

heavy work for you this summer.

 

 

 

 

Do You Want to Order Your Plants Online?

We have partnered with Monrovia Nursery

and now you can order your plants online

and pick them up at The Mustard Seed!


Click here to see how it works.

 

 

Staff Profile
Name: Courtney Jean Erickson

Family Info: I have 4 siblings! Chase, Skylar, Kendra, and Gavin! Ages 11-19! I come from a large, Norwegian family out of Zumbrota, Minnesota! 

Position With Company: Supervisor

Hobbies: Spending time with my boyfriend, my two cats, and doing yoga! 

Food: I am sort of a health nut! LOVE my fruits and veggies! "Food is medicine, medicine is food."

Goal This Year: To be able to keep all of my precious succulents alive; and learn new recipes and ways to use the veggies out of the garden and the herbs on the window sill :)

 

 

 

 

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The Mustard Seed Landscaping and Garden Center 

6055 Hwy 212, Chaska, MN  55318
952-361-9954
The Mustard Seed Landscaping and Garden Center at Halla Nursery
10,000 Great Plains Blvd.
(Pioneer Trail & Hwy 101, Chanhassen)  
952-445-6555  
www.TheMustardSeedInc.com

Seasonal Hours:
M-F 9-8 p.m.
Sat. 8-5 p.m. 
Sun. 11-4 p.m.

 

  

 

 

__________"Rooted in integrity and Founded on Faith in Christ..."__________