Muffins and some news!

Fall is upon us, and many changes and exciting times lie ahead...

The chill in the air can be felt here at night and it surprises me after a warm afternoon!

My week is about to get a lot more interesting, as I have officially accepted a part time job!

This is in addition to our playschool and morning garden days.

Sounds like a lot, right?

Actually, I feel like this position is a perfect fit for my lifestyle, interests, strengths, and attitude.

Last weekend, I was appointed as Director of Youth Education at our Episcopalian church!

The position is more like a "captain of the ship" role; I oversee Sunday School classes, order supplies, maintain the environment, plan special events, and run a weekly parent-child playgroup.

The decision to accept the position was a relatively easy one; mostly because I am taking over for a very creative woman who has transformed the space I'll be working in.

For me, it's ideal.

The photos from this previous post will illustrate why!

I have very, very little experience with religious education. And my only experiences have not been positive.

Becoming a part of this parish has been a wonderful experience for me in many ways...

I have come to understand God and his unyielding Love.

I feel at peace with this understanding for the first time in my life.

I've been exposed to a group of people who aren't trying to "sell you" a church or a belief.

I've met clergy who are warm,  funny, intelligent, and very down to earth.

I've met like minded families who have become great friends...in fact, it feels like I've known some of them forever. 

But most importantly for this time in my life, I've found a church which welcomes children as a integral part of the congregation.

It is my hope to foster this belief and to help it grow even further!

Another positive, the position pays very well and will entirely fund my Waldorf EC training for the next 3 years with enough left over for supplies and travel expenses. This is the answer to the huge question which has been weighing on my mind since the beginning of the year...how will I pay for this training?

I do believe that God has called me to this experience.

I have never been a deeply religious person (or religious at all), but I have seen so much of His doing in the past year of my life, and the biggest part was accepting Him and being open to learning more and moving on from my past reluctance. I'm not so great at talking about things like this, but I know that God's love is very present in my life. I see it when I look around me and feel overwhelming gratitude for all that has been placed in front of me. 

I used to believe that everything good in my life was from my doing; that I worked hard to make it happen, but I now see that it has a lot more to do with something other than myself. 

I will be able to work many of the hours for this position at home, which works out well for me.

W will also be able to be with me when I do need to be in the building, which will be Sunday mornings and playgroup days. (Local friends, please message me if you're interested in attending!)

Posting here may begin to a be a bit more infrequent as I grow accustomed to my new schedule. I will be keeping another blog documenting Trinity's Youth Programs and Happenings. Take a peek sometime:)

Now, for something totally off topic.

Muffins.

They're a staple here for playschool; fun and easy to make.

I'm looking for more honey or maple sweetened recipes, as I don't use any sugar when I bake for the children.

Pass them along in the comments section, if you wish:)

Here's my favorite Fall recipe thus far..

Pumpkin Carrot Muffins

Ingredients:

1/2 cup pumpkin 

1/3 cup brown sugar

2 tbsp oil 

1 egg, beaten 

1/2 cup grated carrots 

3/4 cup whole wheat flour 

1/4 tsp salt 

1/2 tsp cinnamon 

1/2 tsp baking soda 

                                                                 1 tsp baking powder

Directions:

                                                   Beat together pumpkin, brown sugar, oil and egg.
                                                                           Add carrots.

In a separate bowl, blend together flour, salt, soda, baking powder and cinnamon.
Add to the pumpkin mixture.
Fill muffin tins about 2/3 full.
Bake at 375 degrees for 10-14 minutes.

...Thanks for reading!