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{No Bake} Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls
The weather is changing. I've got Christmas music is on, a cup of hot chocolate in hand, and cooking ingredients on the island. One of my favorite ways to dial back this time of year is with fun recipes. And, given the popularity of the Crunchy Peanut Butter Balls post , I thought you might enjoy these, as well. They are literally so simple and so good. I first found them on Disney.com , though the recipe seems to have disappeared from their site. No Bake Chocolate Chip Cooki
mel96066
Nov 241 min read


Drawing Kids into Worship {With Sanctuary Scribes by Augsburg Fortress}
The most fun box just arrived in the mail. Sanctuary Scribes by Augsburg Fortress Last October I was selected as a contributor for the Unbridled Presence project with Augsburg Fortress. The defined objective was to create materials to engage students in faith. Opportunities existed for toddlers through teens, but I knew right away I wanted to audition for elementary-age children and submitted writing accordingly. I was ecstatic to be selected. For years faith leaders have beg
mel96066
Nov 52 min read


Destinations
I opened the letter and was reduced to tears. “Even though you’re a substitute teacher you’ve been so much more than that. You always...
mel96066
Sep 292 min read


2025-2026 Education Year Prayer: For Parents, Students, Teachers & Christian Leaders
Lord God, today we lift our hearts up to You i n prayer for the precious children You’ve entrusted to us. Each is a treasure. Comforter...
mel96066
Aug 181 min read


Plan the Perfect Advent Fair/Christmas Event
Melissa Nesdahl Advent Fair/Christmas Event Plan Seeing ministry leaders ordering my "Perfect Peace" easy-to-do Christmas Program this...
mel96066
Jul 102 min read


Jump: How to Live When You’re Caught Between What Is & What You Dream to Be
There is a line so fine between the belief in what you secretly hope for and resigning to what is that it is nearly undetectable. Most of...
mel96066
Jun 132 min read


Popsicle Praise: A Sweet Summer Faith Activity
Popsicle Praise Activity Once the school year ends our society pretty much say "Adios" to defined schedules and enjoys freedom in the...
mel96066
May 282 min read


Dream Bright
I entered the door of Starbucks to three aggressively waving sixth graders. “Good morning, Mrs. Nesdahl.” I smiled at them and listened...
mel96066
May 222 min read


To the Parent Who Doesn't Feel Like Enough
{I initially wrote this post nine years ago today and it was featured in Family Today. And, though my kids have aged, I would give the...
mel96066
May 144 min read


Bird Nest Easter Treats
This morning Ava woke up asking to make Bird Nest Easter treats. I first did these with her when she was in elementary school and she's...
mel96066
Apr 192 min read


John 10:10 Printable FREEBIE {With a Life Savers Candy Message Suggestion}
John 10:10 Free Printable It's that time of year when church small groups are coming to an end. To help my daughter's celebrate, I...
mel96066
Apr 101 min read


March Madness Pie
Happy Pi (3.14) Day! In Sioux Falls the public schools are out today and it is the State basketball tournament so my youngest and I...
mel96066
Mar 141 min read


You Are Loved
Love Balloon You. Yes, you. You are loved. Tomorrow the calendar broadcasts Valentine's Day. Some will get flowers and go on dates....
mel96066
Feb 131 min read


Exploration Station Vacation Bible School: A Summer Faith Experience for the Church or Home
Exploration Station Vacation Bible School Vacation Bible School has long been an experienced localized to the church building. Beyond...
mel96066
Jan 272 min read


You Are Loved {Peanut Safe} Popcorn Mix: For Valentine's Day
One stop into the grocery store will remind you that Valentine's Day is coming up. The cards are stocked, candy is out and items to trade...
mel96066
Jan 82 min read
My 2025 Word of the Year
Yesterday our family enjoyed our annual year-in-review dinner where we go out to eat and discuss favorite moments, lows, great books,...
mel96066
Jan 22 min read


Why Do These Names for Jesus Matter {For Those Feeling Blue This Christmas}
The world is busy today. People are scurrying around purchasing final gifts and gathering in grocery lines for meal preparations. It’s...
mel96066
Dec 23, 20242 min read


Crunchy Peanut Butter Balls
This week my college roommate and I celebrated 23 years of Christmas candy making. One of the crowd pleasers is always the crunchy peanut...
mel96066
Dec 13, 20241 min read


Broken
I pulled the lid off the tote with eager anticipation. There is something about Christmas décor that puts a skip in my step. The smells...
mel96066
Dec 4, 20242 min read
Dare to Dream
"If you've never had a God-sized dream that scared you half to death, then you haven't come to life." Mark Batterson For many years, I...
mel96066
Nov 22, 20242 min read
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