Area 25 celebrates our own Sandi Mitchell!

Earlier this year, you probably saw MOPS International promote a photo contest.  This year at MOMcon, they will be featuring a unique gallery of quality images submitted by MOPS members and volunteers from everywhere.  Those attending MOMcon will get to see the winning submissions highlighted there, and we were excited to find out that our very on Sandi Mitchell of Cedar Run Community Church MOPS Group was a winner!

Sandi happens to be a mom of 4 children:  three boys (15, 13 and 9) and one little girl (surprise blessing!) who is 3 years old and featured in the winning photo.  It wasn't until Sandi's little girl was born that she began to participate in MOPS.  She says, "I didn't feel I could make attending MOPS a priority," while parenting her three boys.  "I was trying to juggle the kids and volunteering, etc.," says Sandi, "At that time, I had difficulty getting out of the house."

When her daughter was born, she had started attending Cedar Run Community Church and was invited to MOPS again.  She says, "I decided to join only because I felt it would be a good way for me to meet other women in the church.  However, I truly enjoyed being with other moms, finding encouragement for the stage I was in (as it was a transition to go back to the baby stage again) and I loved hearing the variety of speakers."

Sandi credits her Discussion Group Leader with having a gentle and sweet spirit that drew her back to MOPS each meeting.  "I loved her instantly," says Sandi, "She was so warm and welcoming and was willing to be vulnerable, even when it was difficult."  

While Sandi admits she joined merely to meet other moms, she found she got much more out of it than she ever anticipated.  So much, that the following year she stepped forward into a leadership role of Discussion Group Leader and this year moved into the role of Publicity.  She enjoys taking a larger part in what is going on in the ministry as a whole.  She enjoys watching the moms in her group grow in their friendships with one another and share and learn from each other.  She is also exicted about this year's theme:  "This year's theme, A Beautiful mess, is something I feel I identify with and I think each of us should be encouraged to learn to be more honest with one another, find the blessing in seeing that we are NOT alone in our struggles (or "messes") and discover the joy (and "beauty") the Lord has in store for us."

Sandi mentions she has always loved photography and scrapbooking.  Her family blessed her with a very nice camera around the time of her 40th birthday as they saw how much she enjoyed this hobby.  She challenged herself to start a photo blog (mostlymitchell.blogspot.com) by posting one picture each day for a year as a way to hold herself accountable and stick with it.  Through this process she became more familiar with her camera learning to shoot in manual mode and discovering the photos she enjoyed taking most.  The winning photo was captured during this journey.   She states her daughter doesn't always cooperate when she taking photos of her, but on this particular day she was willing to keep blowing the dandelions so she could try to capture the shot desired.  Sandi still considers herself an amateur photographer as she believes she has much to learn, but she enjoying the journey and hopes that maybe one day she may start a business for herself.  But for now, she is still trying to gain confidence taking photos in different settings and capturing people in a natural way.  She has also began participating in another blog (allliliesconsidered.wordpress.com/) with fellow photographers who post a picture a week in which they try to capture special "stories" from every day lives.

As parents we realize that it is often better to model what you want to teach your kids, but sometimes this is easier said than done.  Sandi stated that she often asks her children what they are passionate about and try to encourage them to pursue those things.  Yet, she doesn't feel that she's allowed herself to do that until just recently.  "God has blessed me in ways I would have never imagined through photography.  i strive to be able to capture the world around me through His eyes and pray that I can discover ways for my photography to be a blessing to others, as well.  I believe it is never too late to seek out what you are passionate about."

Sandi is still overwhelmed by her award.  "I just entered the contest for fun," she says, "I never expected I would win."  Her photo will be featured with others at MOMcon 2013 and she will have the opportunity to provide a cover shot for the award winning MomSense magazine, the official magazine for MOPS International and get full credit in the magazine as well as a portfolio showcase on the new MOPS blog on Hello Darling.  

What happened to the summer? Are you ready for fall?

You often hear about the lazy days of summer.  However, I didn't find any before my kids started back to school!  Did you?  As volunteer staff, we were working hard to coordinate all for the Mega Event and then after the event was over it seemed to be a flurry of year-end activity finishing up with my own MOPS group (I coordinate also) and wrapping up the school year and t-ball and....

...and then, I found myself in full swing of all things summer:  vacations, camp-outs, sleep overs, play dates at the park and/or the pool.  So where was that "lazy" again?  Can you relate?

And in the midst of it all, you may also be planning for your fall MOPS start up.  I thought I would write to help you recall the time of renewal and re-energizing we hope you experienced while at the Mega Event.  Please note:  I've not been "lazy" in posting this, but like most of you, I've been involved in the summer flurry of activity and simply haven't gotten to put it all together.  So, take a moment now and enjoy this slideshow of memories from the Mega Event:  DIY manicures and pedicures as well as jewelry making and dancing on our Fun Friday night together.  Then think about all that you learned on Saturday as there were choices of sessions to go to and the line for the offering and writing down just a couple of things that you learned and got to take home with you that weekend.  I find that it's always good to recall and reflect.  It often refuels for the road ahead.

During our training time, I remember many wanted MORE training when we were going over the leader tools on the website.  So, I do have a little more info on that now with the updated website.

If you would like more info than shown within this video, please contact your nearest coach as we are currently looking at setting up additional training for groups.

Enjoy your labor day and best wishes as your MOPS groups start for the Fall!

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? 

from Jill Riddle....Community Developer

Have you made plans to come to the Area 25 MEGA EVENT?  Watch this video from MOPS International volunteer staff and Community Developer, Jill Riddle!

Don't forget to register early so that you can be eligible to win a MOPS bundle!  Register at http://mopsmegaevent.eventbrite.com 

from Jackie....Community Coach

Have you made plans to come to the Area 25 MEGA EVENT?  Watch this video from MOPS International volunteer staff and Community Coach, Jackie Nation!

Don't forget to register early so that you can be eligible to win a MOPS bundle!  Register at http://mopsmegaevent.eventbrite.com 

The great MEGA EVENT!

My afternoon off from work was a rainy/icy afternoon in the southwestern part of the state.  A perfect day to curl up under a warm blanket and read or watch a good chick-flick....however with little ones running around, that "painted picture" is merely a dream.  I don't get the chance to read until things are quiet...a.k.a. "after bedtime".  So as this afternoon has been cold and dreary, my thoughts stray to a warmer time in May when I will get to meet up with fellow MOPS moms and enjoy fellowship, fun, and the opportunity to learn from others all over our area.

If you haven't yet seen it, you should check out our MOPS Area 25 Mega Event promo.  Click HERE.  The event will be held in Charlottesville, VA on May 3rd and 4th at First Baptist Church Charlottesville.

The Mega Event is put together by your MOPS International Volunteer Staff of Area 25.  This is a FREE event (your only cost is lodging and lunch if needed).  We are preparing for some fun activities on Friday Night:  devotion, worship, pampering and more.  On Saturday, we will focus more on leadership development focusing on:  training, networking, worship, brainstorming and planning.  A dozen MOPS professionals will be available on-site! Ask questions!  Learn together!  JOIN US!

Use this event as an opportunity to grab your steering team and turn it into a steering retreat.  It's often hard to get leaders together with such busy schedules, so here's your chance!  Mark your calendars now and gas up the minivan!  

Please register for this event at http://mopsmegaevent.eventbrite.com/  You may opt to purchase lunch through this site as well.  

As an incentive to register early, we will place all registrants into a drawing for a MOPS Bundle (pictured above)!  We will draw a winner on March 15th and another on March 30th.  So register NOW!

Refill Your Momma Tank

Well, the Christmas fuss is over and the new year has dawned and challenged us to keep all those resolutions we made a month ago.  So how's that going for ya?  No worries, I'm not going to ask you to post what you have or haven't done.  But I am going to talk about refreshment and recharging - stoke the fire (if you will).

As moms we all know what it is like to be running on empty - too little sleep from that fussy newborn, or staying up in the wee hours to help an older child with a school project, or up all night due to the "bug" that has invaded the whole family's health.  When these situations hit and push us to our limits, we push back with all that we've got and sometime deprive ourselves of much needed rest and time to ourselves.  Moms are "on duty" 24/7 more often than not and those tanks get pretty bare at times.

I love MOPS because MOPS refuels me at each meeting.  Each gathering of moms and serving on the front lines with me, makes be feel comforted, loved and renewed.  It gives me the gusto to keep on keeping on.  And as a fellow MOPS mom, I think you can relate.

So, it's a new year and we are half-way through our MOPS year.  What are your plans?  First off, remember to register 3X each year - beginning of the year, NOW, and at the end of your year.  Be sure to challenge your current moms to bring friends - every mom needs a friend - and if your group is full, then consider starting a second group, or maybe even offer to help start a group at a "sister" church - every church needs a MOPS group.  Why is this important? Because every family needs Jesus!

And as we are in the middle of our MOPS year, you may be feeling a little low of fuel, so let me bring you the FILL UP by telling you about our MOPS Mega Event to be held on May 3-4th in Charlottesville!  This is a FREE event to attend.  Friday night will include some pampering, devotion and worship.  Saturday will be filled with great training and networking with other leaders from all over our area.  Your field leaders will be onsite as well.  Your only expense - if you choose to do so - would be for hotel and also for your lunch on Saturday.  USE this event as a way to refresh your own steering team and to plan out the rest of your year.  It is SURE to be FUN, FABULOUS and FULL of training.    Take a moment now to register and let us know you are coming!  See you soon!

http://mopsmegaevent.eventbrite.com

God's Got My Back - Blessings in Disguise

How many have truly experienced Blessings in Disguise? I was blessed to be off with my kids from just before Christmas until after the New Year.  I had BIG plans for this time off from my full time job:  plans to get caught up on house work, finance work, spend QUALITY time with the kids, get back into a regular exercise habit.

The last week before Christmas, I struggled.  My son had come down with strep throat and a cold on top of that, and my daughter had a stomach bug.  I caught my son's cold and my daughter's bug. I felt horrible, yet I forged onto work, ended up taking off the last official day of work, carried myself to the doctor and was thankful to then rest from work and recover.

Rest?  What mom REALLY ever gets rest?  I got through Christmas and the very next day my daughter was complaining her throat was hurting and she was crying.  Her throat looked swollen and I suspected she might now have strep throat, since my son had it earlier. There was shower of sleet falling as we piled into the car to head to the doc.  I prayed, "God, let us get to and from safely," before we ever left the driveway.  Seven miles from home, I wrecked my car.  One of my "big" plans for my time off was to get new tires for my car; I believe the worn tires to be the culprit of my unfortunate fate.

I was being careful, keeping in mind the poor road conditions and my poor tires and was trying to negotiate going down a steep hill and taking a sharp turn at the bottom.  I got down the hill, but didn't make the turn.  I ended up in a ditch and on our side with BOTH my children in the back seat.  No air bags went off, no glass broke and we were helped out by firefighters who arrived on the scene quickly while responding to another call.  They flipped my car back on all four, winched it out of the ditch and I drove it back home at about 15 mph.  We didn't make it to the doctor and my daughter suddenly didn't give much more thought to her sore throat.

The body shop told me I needed new tires.  I knew that.  I needed new brakes.  I had anticipated that.  I needed brake fluid.  Huh?  I had checked that - it was full.  "You have TWO reservoirs," the technician said.  I didn't know that.  He told me my rotors are destroyed.  I wondered if my wear of the brakes might have hurt the rotors.  He explained he had NEVER seen rotors as BAD as mine and went into detail about how they had worn unevenly.  It was very dangerous, "Imagine driving down the interstate and the wheel locking up," he said, "you would have likely wrecked and it could have very well killed you and the kids if they were with you."  Wow.  My kids are almost always with me.  What if?

I remember my prayer:  "God,  let us get to and from safely."  He did!  We may not have made it to the doctor, but we returned home safe and sound without even a bruise.  This accident was a blessing in disguise.  God's got my back.  He knew my car was in worse shape than I had realized.  He allowed me to wreck so it could get fixed before something more serious happened.  I found myself praising God and saying, "Thank You."  Seems odd to say thank you for allowing the wreck. We weren't hurt.  He protected us - more than we even realized.  God's got my back.  And He has yours!

Reflect to find your blessings in disguise.

Simple Thank Yous...

Being a mom is often a THANKless job.  Day after day, you labor to feed, clothe and bathe your baby and/or children.  You try to keep up the housework, laundry and dishes and often times deprive yourself of any time of refreshment.  For the working mom, you add 40 hours a week OUTSIDE of the home (plus commute time) and you often have an over-tired, over-worked, over-stressed mommy.

I'm constantly trying to teach my kids to say "please" and "thank you," but sometimes I'm in such a routine of doing things that I don't even notice if they "bark" a command at me until my husband will remind them to ask with a "please."

In my own MOPS group, we recently took a test to discover our love language during a MOPS night.  My strongest language was Quality Time and my second (the one I thought would be first) was Affirmation.  Both my hubby and I work Monday through Friday daylight hours.  One Saturday morning, he was called in to work.  So, instead of sleeping in, I got up and did the usual thing I do during the work week:  make coffee and pack his lunch.  As he came to give me my good-bye kiss, he said "thank you for getting up and making me coffee and packing my lunch, babe".  Wow!  It was such a simple thing for him to do and yet it did WONDERS for me the whole day.  I thrive knowing what I do is appreciated.

I know not everyone has the same love language.  But as we teach our kids to say "please" and "thank you" we need to make sure we are practicing saying it ourselves.  We need to learn to be more complimentary and share God's love with all that we meet.  You never know when you might make a mom's day by complimenting her on her mom skills.  I recently got a compliment from a friend via Facebook on my being a mom and it, too, made my day. 

Whether you are a stay-at-home mom or a working mom, the labors of being mom can take a toll on you.  So what's a mom to do?  Well for starters, she can find a MOPS group!  Every mom needs a friend and every church needs a MOPS group.  You are likely already involved with MOPS and are reaping the benefit of getting some much needed refreshment and encouragement from fellow moms.  But what about that mom that just had the baby down the street?  Have you invited her to MOPS yet? Afraid your group is too full?  Why not spin off a new group?!  Call a field leader today about it and to discuss.

Keep up the good work mom!  You are valuable in God's sight and the light in your children's eyes!

Have you got your rhythm?

Rhythm:  a strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound; a regularly recurring sequence of events, actions, or processes.

We recently had our first MOPS meeting and dove straight into the Mom Connection theme book.  The author talked about hula hoops and finding her rhythm as a child to keep them up on her hips.  She equated the swinging of those hoops to motherhood and how we have so many hoops to keep up with:  the role of mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend, co-worker, and the list goes on.  Sometimes we may be able to swing those hoops in a beautiful fluid motion and other times...not so much.

The thing with motherhood is that so often when we feel like we've finally got our rhythm:  infants sleeping through the night (wa-hoo!) then something else occurs.  For me, when my first-born slept through the night, I rejoiced thinking, "Finally...a good night's sleep!"  That lasted all of one week before those little teeth started coming in, making him fussy, waking him back up in the night.  When we finally got the "swing" of teething and how all that went, he started walking around 9 months and it was time to make sure I REALLY child-proofed the house!  On top of that ... I became pregnant with our second child!

Since I have become a mom, I've realized I'm constantly trying to find my rhythm.  

Every time I think I've got it, life's beat changes on me and I have to find it again.  It's a constant learning experience for me.  And wow!  I am so thankful for my MOPS moms who are there to go through it with me.  No, we are not synchronized like the swimmers in the Olympics.  Our performance is not that rigid.  Ours is more of a dance party where we all have fun whether we know how to dance or not.

I don't think God expects us to have a perfect rhythm, nor does He expect one rhythm to work for everyone.  How boring would it be if the radio station only played one song?  Instead, God draws us nearer to Him through our search to find the rhythm of life and He keeps it exciting as it changes.  As it changes, we learn and grow in our love for Him.  How awesome is that?

Community Leadership Training & Networking Events

COMING SOON....to a city near you! Community Events! Below is a list of the events going on this month. You have likely received an E-vite invitation or saw a link to RSVP to that invitation on this Facebook page or your local one. If you haven't RSVP'd, please try to do so in order for your leaders to plan accordingly. :) THANKS AND ENJOY YOUR TRAINING AND/OR NETWORKING!

October 6- 12pm-3pm, Freedom Fellowship Church, Virginia Beach
hosted by Julie, Kymmie and Lauren 

October 12- 7pm-9pm, Lucie Monroe's 1600 Roanoke St., Christiansburg

hosted by Nickole and Teresa
 

October 13- 9am-12pm, Chantilly Bible Church, Chantilly
hosted by Patty and Stephanie
 

October 13- 9am-12pm, Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, Fredericksburg
hosted by Kelly
 

October 27- 9:30am-12:30pm Westover Hills United Methodist Church, Richmond - childcare available at this one!
hosted by Jackie

Children Notice More than We Think

                                          Children Notice More than We Think

                                                              Lauren Holmes

                                              Community Networker, Area 25

                                         

We have all heard the phrase, “do as I say, not as I do.”  Most of us know that children are not only listening to what we say, but also watching our actions.  I often ask myself, “does what I say line up with what I do?”  In my own house, it seems as if my children often copy my actions even more than the words that I say.

 When I had my first born, I was a lot busier than I am now, and I would often rush from one activity to another, totally stressed.  It took me a while to realize that because I was nervous and rushing, (and my son was watching me,) he was also becoming nervous and irritable as well.

Once I began to practice better time management and relax more, I noticed that my son calmed down too.  It was almost as if he too took a big sigh of relief, glad that that mommy was finally slowing down!

Although my children are just one and two, I am already seeing hints that my behavior speaks volumes to them!   My two year old repeats everything that I say, so I am careful to monitor the words that come out of my mouth.

But it’s not just what we say that matters.  When my kids get a little older, they will begin to notice even more of my true nature.  If I tell them that they can only watch G-rated movies, but they wake up from a nightmare and wander downstairs to find me watching a movie that glorifies cursing, sex and violence, then am I really setting a good example?  When my kids are old enough to get on Facebook, will they see that what I’ve taught them is really who I am, or will they be surprised at the words that I type?

The word tells us, “be holy as I am holy.”  Every day, I try to ask myself, am I really reflecting God in my everyday life?  As Christians, we are to model God’s character not just around our babies, but also everywhere that we go, and in everything that we do.  Even during mom’s night out, our speech and behavior should still bring glory to God and set an example. 

We not only represent God, but we also represent our children too.  Let’s make sure that our example is a godly one that they will always be proud to follow.

Blessing to praise, or not?

Every blessing you pour out, I'll turn back in praise...

It's lyrics to a praise song that I dearly love.  After getting "refreshed" at my field leader training event, I was listening to Pandora on the drive home and heard this song.  I was singing at the top of my lungs and loving it, enjoying being in worship and then it HIT me.  Do I really do that?

Sure, I will often sing the blessing song with my children at dinner time and thank God for the food before us.  I pray with them at night before bedtime and sing a prayer song.  I am THANKFUL for the blessings God has given me, but do I truly return praise for EVERY blessing God pours out?  

I'm not so sure I do that.  In fact, I'm guilty of laying down with the kids at night in their beds to say prayers and actually falling asleep while praying or singing the prayer song.  Guilty, guilty, yes, I feel guilty.  And I am aware that guilt is not a foreign thing for most moms.  We often compare ourselves to others to see how we "measure up" and then beat ourselves up for not doing all that we THINK we should be doing.  But have you ever thought about where all that guilt might come from?

Not until recently at a MOPS meeting did our wonderful Discussion Leader clue me in that guilt is a tool often used by Satan.  I'm learning that a lot of guilt comes directly from Satan.  He tries hard to make us feel less than competent - to compare ourselves to other moms and have pity parties for ourselves when we feel we've fallen short.  Yes, I've endured those pity parties and often succumbed to them gotten myself down in a pit of depression.  How about you?

I'd never thought about Satan using it as a tool.  And now, every time I begin to feel myself sliding down that hole of guilt, I STOP and PRAY.  Sometimes it's hard to pray in those moments when you think "why God are you letting this happen to me".  But like another favorite song of mine with lyrics straight from the Bible, God won't give me more than I can handle.  He may let me bend, but he won't let me break.  God's got my back.  I need to continue to grow my faith and lean on him in those times of weakness.  I need to remind myself that I am the King's daughter and he treasures me.  And yes, I need to offer praise for the many blessings.  Even when the kids have been under my feet and literally hanging off of me the entire day.....yes, even then I need to offer praise for the blessings of having kids.  I need to offer praise being able to enjoy the bad times and the good with kids.  Where is your next praise coming from?  

You’re never “just a Mom”
 

               Lauren Holmes, Community Networker, Area 25

                                      

Recently a friend told me that she did not understand how I could work from home, be a mom, a wife, do MOPS, and still stay sane.

While I appreciate words of affirmation, I wanted to make sure that this friend knew that no matter how much it seems like I do, it does not in any way make me better.

So often, we place our value in what we think we are accomplishing, but in reality, what should really matter is that we’re doing God’s will.

Has God called you to be a full time mother to your children?  Then do it to the best of your ability, and know that yours is a high calling regardless of what the world may say.

Has God called you to work outside of the home, or to work from home?  Then give one hundred percent wherever God has placed you, and do not compare yourself to others.

In my own life, God has made me the type of person who is able to do many different tasks.  This does not make me better than anyone else – just different.

I used to envy the moms who were very crafty and could sew beautiful scarves and knit hats for their babies.  I would try and attend the craft nights with them, hoping that by some miracle, their talent would rub off on me.  Needless to say, it did not! 

But what really helped me was when one of the crafty moms said, “I wish I could write like you do…you’re such a wonderful author, and I barely passed English.”  This moms words blessed me so much, and I was able to joke with her about how all this time, I was wishing that I was more crafty like her.

God has different plans for every mom.  His plan may not look like someone else’s, but it’s the plan that He designed perfectly for you!

 

 

Post-convention acclimation

So, if you went to convention, you are likely trying to re-aclimate to "home-life" again.  For several days you likely enjoyed sleeping through the night, meals not interrupted by a sudden "potty break," feeling like a little girl again staying up late and chatting with your roomies as though it were a big sleep-over!  Then there was Mom Prom with Plumb...how fun was that?  It gave ladies a chance to dress up or dress 80s;  I think all enjoyed it as Plumb sang "Girls just wanna have fun!"  

MOPS Convention, for me, is like a refilling of my "momma tanks".  It's not that I don't get poured into from my local group, because I do.  But MOPS Convention is different.  It's the once-a-year chance to get my tank (and reserve tank) completely topped off.  I love MOPS (duh...I'm a Field Leader!) and I continue to attend and coordinate my own local group.  I am refreshed at each of our own meetings, but it still doesn't compare to being at convention and being ministered to by the likes of Kay Warren, Lisa Harper, Robert & Barbara Gelinas, Matthew West and more!  Not only that, but as you attend multiple workshops and hot topic groups, you continue to be ministered to by many other authors and MOPS leaders.  Convention is certainly a time for renewal and a time to be poured into by these great speakers.  When all is said and done, you've likely gained a lot of new ideas to take back home to your own groups and worried about your suitcase closing all the way and not being over the weight limit of the airline!

And now that you are home, you are likely recovering from being squeezed and giving the squeezes with the kids and hubby.  You are likely rested from the airline delays and staying up way too late with new friends.  So now what's on your agenda?  What are you planning for your new MOPS year?  Do you already have it planned out?  What action items are on your "to-do" list?  

Even if you weren't able to make it to convention this year and were busy planning for the fall, make sure one of your action items is to plan for NEXT YEAR'S MOMCON.  Yep, you read that right, "MOPS International Convention" is no more!  It is now "MOMCON".  Catchy, huh?  And we are sure to be blessed by Beth Moore, Elisa Morgan, Ken Davis and Kathy Lipp!  Mark it on your calendars now:  October 17-19, 2013 and feel free to take advantage of Early Registration for only $199!  Just go to http://mops.org/MomCON2013 to register.

Again, my heart goes out to those who weren't able to attend.  If you've never been, you don't know what you are missing!  If you have been and weren't able to go this year, then I hope this post doesn't make you feel left out.  Instead, I hope it motivates you to start saving and planning for next year to be in Kansas City!!!!

Convention Countdown Begins!

16 DAYS AND COUNTING ... CONVENTION INFORMATION!!!

Connect with Area Leaders on Saturday, August 11^th from 1:00 -2:00PM in the First Link Café!

Meet your Field Leaders! Meet fellow MOPS Leaders from Virginia & West Virginia!

PLUNGE into the theme highlighting area waterways. Bring a postcard with a picture of your favorite body of water in VA or WV to leave at the table.  Leave the website to a great waterpark or pool in your community.  PLUS … Get some FREE MOPS stuff!

The First Link Cafe has a table for every "area" MOPS serves - it's located adjacent to the Resource Fair and is is a GREAT place to have lunch as a team throughout Convention.

Let us know your group is attending and how many we can expect to meet!  We want to prepare for each of you!

What to bring:

Y Above all ... comfortable shoes! You'll walk A LOT!  And maybe a pedometer to log your steps!  

Y Your Bible - make time for quiet time with the Lord.

Y Business cards for networking.

Y Show & Tell samples for the Show & Tell table in the First Link Café. Directories, creative activities, instructions, supply lists, vendors, centrepieces, etc.  You might think your idea is hum-drum, but every group does things differently.  Share YOUR vision of MOPS and ignite passion in others!

o It’s a good idea to have e-mail addresses on the samples so others can contact you easily.

Y Dry foods (cereal bars, munchies, etc.) When you think you have enough -- pack one more box!

Y Refillable Water bottle - you'll be thirsty and purchasing it gets pricey.  Drink stir-in's because sometimes the water tastes funny: Crystal Light, Via, etc. 

Y Cell phone and cell phone charger.

Y Camera (and charger if necessary); film for the "old fashioned" kind.

Y A budget for spending - it's easy to get sucked into the Resource Fair or lunch/dinner out.

Y Mailing labels with your name, address, phone, and email for all the drawings and info requests at the Resource Fair.

Y An extra bag for all the stuff you'll bring home - or at LEAST leave room in your luggage for more.

Y Breathe-Right strips (for snoring roomies - or yourself); Gas-Ex (self explanatory); Tylenol and Alka-Seltzer ... you laugh, but ....

Y You don't need to bring your big binder with all your position "stuff" in it. You won't have time to look at it, anyway.

Y You don't need to bring your laptop - there are computers/Internet access available adjacent to the Resource Fair and the First Link Café.

---

You've signed up for sessions. Make sure you sit with people you don't know. Make connections. Network. Ask questions. Even if your group is solid and has things planned and in motion - you can always glean insights from other groups and other coordinators. Ask how they handle situations. Ask how they work MOPPETS (that's ALWAYS a good conversation starter). If nothing else, you'll see what kind of relationship other groups have with their chartering ministry.  Assume a curious posture.  Don't listen for the familiar - listen for what you don't already know.

You've signed up for sessions. Don't be afraid to skip one if you're drained. Have your quiet time. Sit by the pool. Find a spot to refresh yourself. Take a nap. Visit the exercise room. MOPS offers a prayer room staffed by Field Leaders after each General Session.  You can pray with someone or leave a written prayer request.  Convention is your time. Enjoy it!

MOM PROM is Saturday Night at 7PM.  It comes FREE with your Convention Registration.  Dinner is provided as well.  Grab a dress from Goodwill, use an old bridesmaid dress, throw on a feather boa, just come and have FUN!

The Gaylord Texan also boasts Paradise Springs - a pretty amazing WATERPARK that comes with your standard room rate.  It's not "on property" but there's a free shuttle taking you there.  Talk about team bonding at it's BEST.  What a great way to PLUNGE into MOPS Leadership together!!

Don't forget your SHUTTLE RESERVATION:  http://groups.supershuttle.com/mops12.html

Find all your Area 25 Field Leaders.  There will be TEN OF US in Dallas.  See you soon!

Help – We Need More MOPPETS Workers!

Help – We Need More MOPPETS Workers!

Lauren Holmes, Community Networker, Area 25

It’s the age old question that every MOPS group has discussed – how do we find and keep great MOPPETS workers?

While many of us find workers through the church nursery, here are a few other ways to find workers: scout for local college students studying early childhood education, find moms who have graduated from MOPS, or simply ask friends and family who might be looking for extra money.

How do we keep MOPPETS workers coming back?

Make them feel valued.  They are more than just daycare workers; they are reaching our children with the gospel.  Sometimes, we may have a MOPS mother who does not know Jesus and just stumbled upon the group - the MOPPETS workers might be the only time that a child learns about and feels God’s love.  That is why stressing how valuable our MOPPETS workers are is essential - they need to know just how important their job really is, and it’s up to us to provide them with the resources, curriculum, and appreciation so that they will do their job well, feel valued, and keep coming back year after year!

How can we show our appreciation to our MOPPETS workers?

●        Handmade cards

●        Christmas crafts

●        Bringing them food after luncheons or Christmas teas

●        Inviting them to a steering meeting and providing food

●        Sharing how much they personally mean to you, and praying over them

●        Buy them a plant, candle or other small gift

●        Make them a goody bag with candy, coffee, or home-made goods

What about your group?  How do you find MOPPETS workers and keep them coming back?

Feel free to leave comments as well as links to your local MOPS website!

For more information on finding and keeping great MOPPETS workers, feel free to visit the following links:

Communicating with the Church about MOPPETS - from the Guide:  

http://www.mopsguide.org/fileshare_view.php?id=108

More about MOPPETS - Paid vs. Unpaid - from the Guide:

http://www.mopsguide.org/fileshare_view.php?id=284

MOPPETS in the Guide: 

http://www.mopsguide.org/fileshare_view.php?id=775

Again, feel free to leave comments, as well as links to your local MOPS website or blog!

Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner!

I am not sure where that phrase came from or what chicken dinners have to do with winners, but it got your attention, right?

We have a winner from last week's comments contest! 

Even though I am sort of a high tech kind of girl, I did the drawing in a decidedly low tech manner.

Yep, that's a colander with all the entrant's names on pieces of paper. 

Sorry about that.
Technical difficulties with the online random number chooser. 

And the winner is..... (insert drumroll here)...

Congratulations Holly! I will get in contact with you to get your address so that I can send you your Starbucks gift card!

Be sure to check back regularly for more Area 25 blog posts!

Better moms make a better world

~Meri

Come On In, The Blog Is Fine!

Greetings Area 25 leaders! We are so excited to welcome you to the new Area 25 Blog and we hope that it brings you inspiration, new ideas, community and a fun place to come to see what is happening in both our Area and MOPS International.

My name is Meri, and I am one of three Community Networkers (CN) in our Area. Yep, you read that right--we are blessed to have three CNs in our Area. Teresa Martin (Southern VA) and Lauren Holmes (Hampton Roads) are the other Networkers and they will be sharing posting duties; but I'll let them introduce themselves later so that you get to hear them in their own "voices".

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

With MOPS International Convention coming up, I thought it would be fun to kick off the Blog with a little fun Top Ten of why you should attend Convention (as if a whole weekend with only grown ups in a fabulous location wasn't enough!)

1. Eat whenever you want, wherever you want without any little fingers sharing it with you.
2. The Gaylord Hotel in Grapevine, TX is beautiful, luxurious and becomes a MOPS bubble of love & encouragement.
3. You are surrounded by like minded women, mothers & leaders.
4. You get much needed girl time with old and new friends.
5. Great exhibitors just for moms at the Resource Fair.
6. Lisa Harper, Matthew West, and Plumb-need I say more?
7. You get to visit with your favorite Field Leaders at the First Link Cafe!
8. You get an amazing and powerful worship time with thousands of MOPS leaders.
9. You will be energized and empowered during workshops held by Kathi Lipp, Tracey Bianchi and our very own Stephanie Morris.
10. You will be filled up with renewed love, hope & joy that is poured upon you by MOPS International and leave Texas as a better woman, mother, leader!

Do you need more reasons than that? 

Do you have more reasons than this? Leave a comment below with your own favorite reason to attend Convention- a random commenter will be chosen for a $5 gift card to Starbucks!* Be sure to leave your name and MOPS group you belong to in the body of your message.

If you need more information on how to register for Convention,
click here to take the Plunge--you won't be sorry!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As Networkers, it is our job to keep our Area connected- with each other, with your Field Leaders and with MOPS International. That started with our Area 25 Facebook page and now we are expanding our connections with this blog. Please check back for more information on Convention, surveys, fun stuff, contests and localized community information.

*Contest closes on Wednesday, July 11, 2012. Only comments posted on or before that date will be included in the random number drawing, and only comments posted to this blog post will be entered into the drawing.

Better moms make a better world,
~Meri