Message to the Steering team

We’ve heard it said that all mothers are working mothers. For MOPS leadership volunteers like you, this is especially true. You give your all as a woman, mother and leader. This spring, take a day to pour into yourself, and renew your energy for all of the incredible roles you fulfill.

It’s okay to take a break! One short day away to connect with other women, reconnect with yourself, and refuel for ministry. Sometimes that beautiful inner voice of yours feels drowned out by infant cries, toddler requests and the lengthy to do list playing out in your mind. Give yourself permission to spend a day celebrating you as a woman and leader. You’ll return home refreshed, renewed and reenergized. What a gift to all of you!

Something that all moms are thinking

                                                                       Amazing Grace

by Laura L. Joseph, mom of one

I can point back to several generations of family members who set a positive example for me to follow. I know that I am blessed to have these roots, and I desire to leave my child with a similar legacy. But managing to cultivate my child’s heart to grow deep roots in love and faith can prove elusive in the day-to-day life of mothering.

"I’m trying to teach them
to let go of perfection."

My children are my biggest audience, so I want to be the type of person I want my children to be. My children hear everything, see everything – and that’s a little scary. It’s tempting to always have it together in front of them, but that isn’t very realistic. I’m human, I mess up, I fall (sometimes painfully) short of my ideals. And the reality is, they fall too, and will continue to do so for the rest of their lives. So how do I prepare them for that?

I’ve decided it comes down to this: I want them to know that God’s grace and love are real and present, even when we’re at our messiest. And that no one expects them to have it all together, all the time. I’m trying to teach them to let go of perfection. And oddly enough, that’s a time when my imperfections really come in handy.

Dear God, thank you for your amazing grace. Show me ways to reveal that grace to my children so that they’ll never forget it. Amen

MOPS International Email for February

The Fruit of a Sensible LeaderFebruary Leader Devotionalby Kelli Jordan, Regional Developer

As leaders we want to produce fruit. It is the result of our energy and passion. MOPS leaders want to produce better moms, invested leaders and outreach opportunities. How does a sensible leader produce that kind of fruit?

Our strength as leaders is directly related to the depth of our relationship with God. As Christians, we produce fruit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Consistently displaying these fruits is evidence of our investment in time with the Lord. This type of leader is better able to lead others to a deeper relationship with God.

We can’t lead others closer to Jesus unless we are moving in that direction ourselves. We can’t lead others to be outreach minded if we are not outreach minded. We can’t lead others toward a stronger commitment to our mission if we aren’t committed to it ourselves.

If others see us displaying the fruit of the spirit and see evidence of our commitment and direction, they are more likely to trust enough to follow us – even if they don’t completely understand or even agree with our plans. A sensible leader understands we cannot lead from a place we have not been. We can’t expect others to follow if they can’t see evidence of our commitment to God or if they don’t trust our commitment to them.

Healthy, growing and sensible leaders bear fruit by relying on God’s word and cultivating a deep relationship with him. Sensible leaders model personal growth and come alongside others, developing them so they can find their perfect place of service and begin bearing their own leadership fruit.

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While considering this devotion, head over to the MOPS Guide forum to discuss these questions with other leaders:

• Consider your sphere of influence. Your family, friends, other moms, other leaders and your children. What evidence do your interactions show of a growing and deepening relationship with God?
• Let God fill the gaps, we all have them … all of us. How might you invite him into every moment and interaction?
• What relationships and interactions do you forget to invite him into?

An event for 2012

Moms: Here is a great way for us to get plugged in to the community! Let's all walk together! Plus the kiddos can walk with us (or ride in strollers)!

Be a Hero for Life - Choices' Walk for Life April 28, 2012 at the Tennessee RiverParkRegistration and Costume Contest: 8:30 AM
Door Prizes Drawing and Walk: 9:30 - 11:30 AM

Celebrate life with hundreds of others from the Chattanooga community at Tennessee RiverPark, located on Amnicola Hwy. near the Chattanooga State Campus. The Walk for Life is a family event, so be sure to bring your family and friends and participate in our 2-mile along the beautiful Tennessee River. This year we are adding a contest for the best "Hero" costume. Be sure to arrive by 9:15 AM for a chance to win door prizes and the costume contest.
The goal of the Walk for Life is to raise funds for the ministry of Choices Pregnancy Resource Center, educate community members about Choices and its outreaches and make a strong life-affirming statement to our community.
Your enthusiastic participation will save lives! Choices Pregnancy Resource Center depends on the funds you raise to continue offering free services to the community and ministering to women, men, families, pre-born babies and students that God will send our way this year.
We need you! Join Choices Pregnancy Resource Center on April 28 as we Walk for Life!

MOPS International Email

Glass House Resident

By Stephanie Shott, mother of two

Have you ever felt like other mothers were looking at you and wondering why you don’t have it all together? Do you look at the moms around you and wish that your children were just as perfect as theirs – that your life was just as easy as theirs?

I was a homeschool mom for 11 years, so my boys went with me everywhere. Sometimes they behaved like little angels. Other times I wanted to pretend like they weren’t mine. I remember the raised eyebrows and the cutting glances that always made me feel "less than" the mom I should be. My glass house had its fair share of stones thrown at it, and every time it made me feel a little more "less than" the time before.

"I learned to give grace
as graciously as I needed it."

But there were also times when I was guilty of throwing a few stones of my own. Why aren’t her children dressed right? Why does she let them get away with that? How many times is she going to let her little one interrupt her?
Each stone I threw seemed much more like a boomerang when my children began testing the waters of their own independence. Eating my words didn’t come easy, but it was during that time that I learned to give grace as graciously as I needed it.

Dear God, thank you for the gift of your grace. Help me to shower others with it, just as you have showered me. Amen.

MNO Project night

Here's the pics ladies from our project night...........

Those who were unable to attend were greatly missed!!

Say cheese ladies!

Everyone chatting and working diligently!

Allison working on her weaving.........

Jenna working on name cards for the candy buckets for her boys birthday party.....Might I say very far in advance, Go momma at staying prepared!!!

Renee clipping those coupons and saving money!

Fresh from snail mail..........

Hello mommas! I just returned from checking my mailbox and was so excited when I picked up what I thought was just some more junk mail only to find the First Things First newsletter and Julie Baumgardner's sweet, smiling face!!!!

Julie is a dear friend of our group and loves coming to share her knowledge with us!

I would like to share that FTF is gearing up for a new season on our public television station, WTCI and Julie will be joined by a variety of guests to offer more great information on marriage, fathering, parenting and relationships. For myself, this is a great opportunity to get more Julie!!!!

Here is the timing....... Saturdays at 6:30AM, Sundays at 9:30AM and Fridays at 9:30PM.

Sharing the words of God

They shall not labor in vain,

Nor bring forth children for trouble;

For they shall be the descendants

of the blessed of the Lord,

And their offspring with them.

Isaiah 65:23



It's the second half

Ladies get ready to come join us for the second half of our year on January 10th 9:30-11:30. Let's find out what 2012 is going to bring us!!

Invite someone and help our group GROW!!!!

By the way............a little birdy told me there might me some new members coming!!! Wink! Wink!! As you always do, love on them and make them feel oh so special!!

Love you all!!!

Is the year actually coming to an end???

Well sweet mommas, the end is near!! Christmas is upon us and the New Year is just around the corner. I pray that all is well and you aren't too consumed in all the planning and preparing to remember the true meaning for Christmas........

I would like to share a poem that I found in a magazine that I was flipping through at my last doctor appointment. I hope it brings a smile upon your face!!! Merry Christmas to all!! Love you all and see you in 2012.

I AM TODDLER.....HEAR ME ROAR!

If it is on-I must turn it off.

If it is off-I must turn it on.

If it is folded-I must unfold it.

If it is a liquid-It must be shaken, then spilled.

If it is a solid-then it must be crumbled, chewed or smeared.

It is high-it must be reached.

If it is shelved-it must be unshelved.

If it is pointed-it must be ran with at top speed.

If it has leaves-they must be picked.

If it is plugged-it must be unplugged.

If it is not trash-it must be thrown away.

If it is in the trash-it must be removed, inspected and thrown in the floor.

If it is closed-it must be opened.

If it does not open-it must be screamed at.

If it has drawers-they must be rifled thru.

If it is a pencil-it must write on the refrigerator, monitor, table or walls.

If it is full-it wil be more interesting when emptied.

If it is a pile of dirt-it must be laid upon.

If it is a stroller-I must not ride in it without protest-I must push it instead.

If it has a flat surface-it must be banged upon.

If Mommy's hands are full-I must be carried.

If Mommy's in a hurry and wants to carry me-I must walk alone.

If it is paper-it must be torn.

If it has buttons-they must be pressed.

If the volume is low-It must go high.

If it is toilet paper-it must be unrolled on the floor.

If it is a drawer-it must be pulled upon.

If it is a toothbrush-it must be inserted intom my mouth.

If it is a faucet-it must be turned on at full force.

If it is a phone-I must talk on it.

If it is a bug-it must be swallowed.

If it doesn not stay on my spoon-it must be dropped to the floor.

If it is not food-it must be tasted.

If it is dry-it must be made wet with drool, milk, or toilet water.

If it is a car seat-it must be protested with an arched back.

If it's a Mommy or a Daddy-it must be hugged adn kissed!

                                                                                                            Author unknown

Our craft day!!!

Thank you so much Allison Benson for organizing our craft for yesterday! The Reward Jars were a big hit!! My kids can't wait to pull from the jar when they do something nice and kind.

Here are pics from the craft.............

The gals all busy working and chatting!

Happy for their finished product!

Amanda's jar.........minus camera shy Amanda

Our sweet guest for the day! Glad you joined us Rachel!

Lori working dilegently with a smile on her face!!

Meal planning meeting

***Thanks Corrina for posting this to the Facebook page!!!!******

How many times have you had a long day only to realize you didn't put any meat out to defrost? Or just didn't know what you were going to make that night? Well, come this Tuesday, September 27th, and we'll brainstorm ideas on how to plan for meals.

I am so looking forward to this meeting! I hope to find out more ways to save time and money for my family! Perhaps, maybe I can get some more ideas for "freezer" cooking?????

Now that fall/winter is upon us, all us mommas are looking for ways to quickly get out of the kitchen and get snuggled up with those sweet babies!!

Hope to see everyone there!

By the way, I will be at the FBCSD gym prior to the meeting getting my walk on if anyone else wants to join me!

God bless!!

Making a Successful Schedule

A big thanks goes out to our coordinator, Jenna Lofton for teaching us how to take into perspective just why and how we need to make a schedule for our families!!!! She, herself, has taken a year to come up with one that works great in her family (with a little tweaks here and there!). She also reminded us of the verse 1Timothy 5:14............

"Therefore I desire that the younger women marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully."

You have just the right amount of time in your day to do all the things God is calling you to.

Here is the recipe she gave us to go by..............................................................



1. List all the activities and times that are concreted (those half to's) into your schedule like parents day out, work, therapies, school drop off and pick ups, MOPS, wake up/bedtime, extracurricular activities, Bible studies, other mom's groups, etc.

2. MOM'S WISH LIST: List your priorities for yourself. Think of things that you NEED and WANT to accomplish. List times preferred and how much time each activity needs. Examples: Showering, exercise, quiet time, phone/computer time, "me time", cleaning, hobby, reading, favorite tv program, or Girls Night Out. While you are dreaming, go ahead and dream big-write down what your really wish you had time for.

You can use this wish list to fill in your daily schedule. Remember 20 minutes a day adds up to 10 hours a month and you can use this for your weekly/monthly schedule as well. Maybe just a Saturday afternoon here and there will help make your dreams come true.

3. We need to set aside time for our kids and be intentional. Based  upon your kid's needs, list your goals for each child and time needed to accomplish those goals. Goals can include: academic, physical, extracurricular, spirititual and social.

4. List out time robbers. It's good to know where you are spending your time. Time robbers are activitities that zap your time. They may be good things, but they may be taking more time than you want or realize. Setting boundaries with time robbers will allow you more time with your kids or help you accomplish your goals. Examples: Facebook/Twitter/blogging, television watching, exercise, computer time, cleaning, time on the phone, paying too much attention to detail, down time, shopping, extra extracurricular activities, friends, extended family, etc.

So ladies, get those pens/pencils out and start filling out those new schedules that have just popped into your head!!

Can't wait to see everyone at the next meeting!

Kick off meeting

MOMSENSE! Do you have any????

This morning turned out to be very successfull and FUN!! We had a great turnout from returning moms and even picked up a new one, welcome Vicky!!

The steering team performed their skit which seem to be a great success!! We all were winners no matter if we were a techno mom, falling apart, having it totally together or just don't have a clue!

We received our calendar for the year and a little homework for the next time we meet in September.

Just how will you spend your 168 hours???

Just wanted to share a couple of videos with you! Enjoy!



Count down anyone????

Yes, ladies....................

               It............

                            is................

                                            just...................

6 more days!!!!!!!

We can't wait to get together again!!! Be in prayer for returning mommas and all the new ones that we will be bringing in to this great ministry!!!

Get your game face on because it is gonna be FUN!!!!!!



It's a new year!!!

School has started, we have some cooler weather outside and those little ones are needing something to keep them occupied! 

Our fist meeting is August 23rd at 9:30 and we can't wait to get started!!

MOPPETS teachers are loaded with some great curriculum for the new year thanks to Melody and I hear we have some new volunteers to come love on our sweet kiddos!!

Steering committee: Don't forget our next meeting is August 22nd from 8-10PM. Come prepared to wrap any last minute loose ends, help with completing projects and setting up for our first meeting! Also, we are bringing the munchies for the first meeting, I'm thinking some muffins will be on my list!

Can't wait to get together with the gang again and meet our new mommas that will be coming!

See me if you need the new business cards or invite cards to hand out to potential mommas!!

Love and God bless!!!

Our time together again is slowly approaching!

MOPS International post this AM:

 I love my sleep! What time do you get up in the morning on an average day and how many hours of sleep do you get?

~~~~I know there are mommas out there that are getting ready to take some kiddos back to school along with having their preshcoolers, so it will be interesting to know your answers~~~

For my answer: I truly do not know just how long I sleep each night due to waking up several times either hurting or burning up! Now that school will be starting it looks as though I will be waking around 6:30AM to get all 3 kiddos dressed and ready. This will be bitter sweet for me though because now I will have more mommy time once they are all out of the vehicle and through those front doors!!

Now to hear some of your answers please..............................

A great story from MOPS International

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mom-ology.org%2Fpage.php%3Fpageid%3D3027&h=mAQAnSqhx

Check out this story mommas who have those precious babies in the crawling stage!

Any body missing our meetings???

Well, a new year is slowing creaping up on us and school will be starting soon for our kids which means it will be time for a whole new MOPS year!

During our steering meeting we came up with lots and lots of ideas for our meetings, MOMSENSE!!!

It's gonna be games, games, games and more games!!!! Lots of speakers and fun crafts!!

Mark your calendars for August 23rd at 9:30 AM and come prepared for fun, fun, fun!!!!!

A little something from a sister MOPS group

Corrina received this email and I thought I would share it with everyone that might have missed it.

> Hi,
>
> My name is Megan Honeycutt and I am the Director of Children’s Ministry,
> and MOPS Coordinator at Brainerd United Methodist Church. Our MOPS
> chapter is hosting a huge craft fair on Saturday, June 11th from 9 am to 2
> pm in our church’s fellowship hall. We would like to invite your chapter
> to come and see the wonderful crafts our vendors have available. We have
> crafters selling many different items such as: personalized children’s
> books, handmade children’s clothes, monogramming, handmade diaper bags,
> gourmet cupcakes, handmade jewelry, handmade candles, and much more! We
> have over 30 vendors! If you need more information feel free to contact
> me.
>
> Megan Honeycutt
> Director of Children's Ministry
> MOPS Coordinator
> Brainerd UMC
> (423)698-6951


Sounds like some great fun for us mommas and a chance to meet some new moms!!! I think it just might be on my to do list!! Hope everyone is having a great summer!!!