MOPS International's MOM-E-Mail, October 10, 2005

Mothering Maxim 'Walk the walk' matters. Children learn what they live. They learn from what they see and hear their parents do - how parents make things work, how they solve problems, what behavior is acceptable or not, what types of cues and words win positive responses. Parents can and do mentor through their everyday actions and words. (Craig & Sharon Ramey) Mom Moment Mom Influence By Barb Vogelgesang, Area Coordinator I don't know how other moms look at their children, but I was still seeing mine as a bunch of exuberant, silly little kids until recently. My oldest son, who is now 13, has begun working on his Eagle award for Boy Scouts. I got to spend some time with him at a scout event and saw how the younger boys looked to him for approval and direction. The older scouts respected his opinion and easily gave him responsibility. He knew when to seek counsel on decisions and which incidents he could just deal with. It dawned on me that this "boy/man" with a sometimes squeaky, sometimes deep voice is a leader. Wow! As I watched him direct a small army of boys setting up camp I wondered what influenced his development from the little guy who loved to give his mom sticky kisses and needed the light on to sleep, to the young man I see before me. When I asked him how he learned to be a leader he said, "By watching the woman who's led me all my life...you!" I had never really thought about mothering as a leadership position. A leader is someone who has influence over others. A mom definitely fits that definition. That revelation has made me more aware of how I lead my children. I still have many years to continue teaching him and his sisters and brother. It has also made me realize that I was chosen by God to lead these children, and I need to depend on his direction in order for me to do a good job. Oh, and by the way, my son doesn't need the night light any more, but I still make sure I get the kisses. Prayer From a Mother's Heart Dear God, help me to be an influence for you in the lives of my children, a beacon pointing them to your saving grace. Thank you to Antiquities for sponsoring this MOM-E-Mail. Each year, Antiquities photography studios capture thousands of young smiles and bright eyes. Offering families a chance at a creative and unique old-fashioned portrait complete with props and clothing, the Antiquities trend continues to gain momentum. Another benefit of the Antiquities program is the fundraising opportunity it offers the sponsoring organization. For more information about Antiquities, call 1-888-525-4453 or visit their Web site at www.antiquities-studios.com. Copyright © 2005 by MOPS International, Inc. This message was sent to: joyousheart@enter.net This is a recurring e-mail; MOM-E-Mail is a benefit of the MOPStoMom Connection. If you would prefer not to receive future MOM-E-Mail messages, or would like to change your email address please use this link . Click here to contact us. MOPS and MOM-E-Mail are registered trademarks of MOPS International, Inc. http://www.mops.org/ MOPS International, Inc. · 2370 S. Trenton Way · Denver, CO 80231-3822

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Small MOPS Groups Prayer References

Hello, All,

I helped Barb Vogelgesang with the Small MOPS Groups Seminar at the MOPS Convention and had some additional resources that I wanted to share.

First, I would like to recap for anyone not able to attend the Seminar. The Seminar was titled "Small Groups Can Make a Big Impact When You Have a Laser Beam Approach".

L ook at relationships, not numbers

A cknowledge leaders by nurturing and developing their gifts

S eek out a relationship with your Chartering Ministry

E ncourage moms to take ownership of MOPS group

R ealistic goals help you shine

B e prayerful

E very group makes a difference in a mom's life

A void "have to do it all" syndrome

M ake it fun

I spoke on "Seek out a relationship with your Chartering Ministry" and "Be Prayful". The references that I would like to share are related to Be Prayful.

"Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Have trouble sitting down and giving God at least 15 minutes of yourself each day? Find a book, the Bible works best, and pray! Making time for God will help you get through your day.

Some books that are available through MOPS include:

(this year with your MOPS to Mom Connection membership you will receive a book) "Just Give Me a Little Piece of Quiet: 60 Mini Retreats for a Mom's Soul" by Lorilee Craker,

"Promises for Moms from the New International Version",

"God's Words of Life for Moms from the New International Version",

and "Women in Leadership: Ninety Daily Devotions by Leading Christian Women".

I find these books are helpful when I need a devotional and many of the topics are applicable to our Steering Team Leaders' lives. They are also good if you need to sit down and focus your mind on God. Sometimes if I don't have something written in front of me, my mind starts to wander.

If anyone would like additional information about the seminar, please let us know. If you have any prayer requests, please share them.

God Bless,

Christy Molnar

Zone 22 Council Coordinator

What's on Your Schedule This Year?

Hi Ladies,

Could you share with us what your MOPS group is doing this year? What speakers, crafts, MOPS/POPS, fundraisers, and other neat stuff will your group be doing? We have several new groups in our Zone and these new leaders will benefit greatly from your ideas.

Blessings,
Barb

Convention Highlights

Hi Ladies,

Well, I'm finally recovering from the MOPS Convention in Dallas. What a great, inspiring time. It was wonderful to be able to meet 72 leaders from Zone 22. Please post your top 10 Convention highlights to share with other leaders.

Joyfully,
Barb

What's happening at your MOPS Group this year?

Ah, the start of a new MOPS year...or is it really? As Steering Team Leaders you've probably been doing MOPS or at least thinking about MOPS all summer. Here's a partial new year prep checklist....

Be sure to register all your moms for the MOPS to MOM connection
Update your Steering Team with MOPS International
Create a schedule of meeting for the year
Have some great girlfriend time
Pack for Convention


What would you add to my list? Can you share your favorite twinkle ideas with other Steering Teams by clicking on comments? You don't have to register, but I would appreciate knowing which group you are with. What topics, speakers, crafts, special MOPS/POPS, MOPPETS crafts, hospitality gifts etc. can you brag about or suggest?

Let's help out our new groups by spreading the creativity around.

Love ya,
Barb

Recruiting MOPPETS helpers

Hi Leaders,

One of the biggest challenges I have faced in my MOPS groups is recruiting MOPPETS helpers. Sometimes we need to change the way we ask for help. I've used the flyer below with different churches and it brought fruit. We need to present MOPPETS as the ministry opportunity it truly is. Where else can local men and women be missionaries without leaving home. The love, care and message of Christ will be forming how these young children will view the church. I am praying that you will be blessed to have a fully staffed MOPPETS program for this coming year.

Please share your success at recruit MOPPETS workers with us by clicking on comments. You don't need to log-in, you can leave your idea as an anonymous user. For our purposes, please let us know which MOPS group you are from.

Blessings,
Joyfully,
Barb Vogelgesang
MOPS AC
Zone 22
NJ, PA, and DE

Is God calling you to bring His Message of Salvation to the next generation?

Do you like cuddling cute babies?

Reading stories to little ones?

Singing songs and playing games?

Do you take to heart Jesus’ call to "let the little children come to me."

Then perhaps you are called to service God through the ministry of

MOPS .

MOPS needs dedicated volunteers who are passionate about bring the message of Christ to preschoolers and their moms. Is God calling you?

For more info contact:

Hi Steering Team Leaders!

Welcome to our great experiment in using new technology to help you meet every mom's needs to the glory of Jesus Christ. Think of this as your on-line Council Meeting. Feel free to leave your great ideas, anything you need help with, prayer requests and praises. Your Field Leaders will be checking in to help you on in your ministry, encourage you and inspire you.

I know it's summer and most of you are not holding regular meetings, but as a past-co-ordinator I know lots of planning and brainstorming is going on. I am so excited about our new TWINKLE theme. Are you getting ready to sparkle? Maybe you need some inspiration.

Here is a neat ice breaker for your first meeting or a steering get together....

Getting to Know You Star Questions....

1. What is one thing that you are a "star" at?

2. What is one thing that you were a "star" at (or wanted to be) when you were a kid?

3. What is your best "start" meal?

4. What is something you want to work to be a "star" at?

5. What is your "star" spiritual gift that God has blessed you with?

6. What you definitely not a "star" at but enjoy doing?

7. Imagine you are a "star" like Oprah; what is one of your favorite things?

8. What would your husband say your "star" quality is?

9. What would your kids say is the "star" quality they love most about you?

10. If there was an article written about the last year of your life with "Star" in the title, what would the headline be?


Well, that's all for tonight. Check back often for more....

Joyfully His,
Barb Vogelgesang
MOPS Area Coordinator
Zone 22 - New Jersey, Delaware and Eastern Pennsylvania