Like it, love it...or not....change is inevitable

We often talk about changes in the fall with the change of the season and the change in color of the leaves on the trees.  While we are still in the midst of summer, (and I'm thoroughly enjoying the warmer weather and not having to worry about coats, jackets and boots) I do find myself in the midst of change.

Recently due to an un-family friendly atmosphere at my full-time job, I chose to start searching hard for a new job and have found one and am transitioning through the change from an old job to a new job.

Change is in the air with MOPS as well.  While your year has not yet began, you may be planning based on changes within your own leadership where moms have graduated out or perhaps you have new leaders who have stepped forward.  You're working through the changes within your leadership and we on the Area 25 team are doing that as well.

The MOPS Mega Event in May was Stephanie Morris' last event as our Area 25 Developer.  She knew God was calling her to other things and stepped down from MOPS leadership.  As we wrapped up the mega event, several had kind words and memories to share:

• "I worked with Stephanie for five years.  She was such a huge support to me.  It has been awesome to watch God use her to affect people's lives.  she has been my leader, my teacher and my friend.  I can't wait to see how Gods uses her in the future." -- Jill Riddle
• "Memorable Phrase #1: 'Put on your big girl panties...', LOVE IT!" -- Jackie Nation
•  "I always knew she was praying for me.  She was a constant encouragement and led by example." -- Nickole Kaufman
• "Every time i felt like a failure as a coach, Stephanie helped me evaluate my strengths.  She has always been my biggest cheerleader." -- Kelly Battles
• "I felt comfortable with Stephanie from day one.  The first time we talked on the phone, I felt I had made a life-long friend.  She makes you feel important and is full of praise and encouragement.  She is lie an awesome big sister!" -- Julie Riegle
• "I love knowing that when Stephanie says she will pray for you, that SHE DOES.  I've always thought she was blessed with the ability to pray and intercede for not only us MOPS Volunteer Staff, but for all leaders all over the state and beyond.  When I missed my flight to my first convention due to my daughter being sick, she prayed with me and I felt God's peace." -- Teresa Martin

I think it safe to say the staff that served alongside her, love her dearly and we are all eager to see what God has in store for her.  

As with MOPS leadership, when there is a vacancy, it allows others to step forward into a new role of which God is calling them into.  During this vacancy MOPS has done a little bit of restructuring in titles.  We are no longer served by an Area Developer, but now an Area Coach.  So who is our new Area Coach?  Our own Jill Riddle!  If you were at the Mega Event, you were likely able to meet her there.  

"Jill brings leadership experience and a passion for moms.  She has served well and has been filling in the gap during these past few months," said Jennifer Martin, Regional Developer for MOPS International, "I believe Jill's leadership as an AC will help us grow moms and leaders in Area 25!"

So as the saying goes, "the only thing constant is change."  When we think about God's love and grace, we think about how He changes our hearts.  And when you think about it that way, well, I would hope that we are all okay with change.  MOPS changed my life, it gave me comfort and encouragement in a time I felt I was failing at everything around me.  I'm thankful for change:  thankful first that God changed my life, and thankful second that MOPS let me know I was not alone.  Are you thankful for the changes in your life?