MOPSTalk Zone 22 ~ Eastern PA and NJ: The 10th year...

CONVENTION UPDATE

Ta da! A Convention announcement!
We just signed the papers and we thank you for your prayers as we worked on moving, well, a whole lotta details in just a few days.

Drum roll #1: The Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, FL (Orlando area) was able to welcome us (in the midst of many conventions needing to move).

Drum roll #2: We're able to keep the registration fees the same, so some of you might decide to come early or stay late, and enjoy the Orlando amenities with your friends (or family).

And thanks for all the great ideas of cities! You helped our future dreaming. 'Twould be fun!
And again, it will be great because of Who we'll be with: "Where(ver) two or three (thousand) are gathered in my name, there am I with them." (Mt. 18:20, our year's theme verse with my additions).

Naomi Cramer Overton

Convention Details:
The MOPS International Convention will be at the Gaylord Palms, Kissimmee, FL (Orlando area). Dates will be the same, August 5-7, 2010. Speakers and artists will be the same great lineup — Julie Barnhill, Margaret Feinberg, Donald Miller, Naomi Cramer Overton, Shelly Radic, Go Fish, Mandisa, The Katinas and Richie McDonald.

Convention registration will re-open on Monday, May 17.
The early bird registration deadline will be extended to June 7.
We are working with the Gaylord Opryland for an official letter we can provide to anyone who has already purchased airline tickets to use with airlines to avoid rebooking fees. This letter should assist you in rebooking airline tickets — it will be posted online at www.MOPS.org/convention.
We continue to pray for families and businesses affected by the flooding and we have sent MOPS materials to local MOPS leaders who are distributing supplies in the Nashville area.

MOPS International Convention 2010

August 5-7, 2010
Gaylord Palms, Orlando FL

Check back often for more information!

Your MOPS International Convention Checklist:

Register for Convention (re-opens May 17)
Reserve a room at the hotel (register first!)
Schedule shuttle transportation

Thursday, December 31, 2009

The 10th year...

All through December, I have been reflecting on the year 2009. It was a highlight year for me because my oldest children, three girls, turned 10 yrs old which means I've been on "Planet Moms" for a whole decade. Our family have been affectionately calling it "the 10th year", thanks to a friend who made the girls their own personal scrap book for their birthday with that as the title.

The 10th year did not come quickly. I distinctly remember thinking in the baby years that our diaper days would never end. I remember thinking in the toddler years that my children would never finish a meal where most of it did not end up on the floor. As we entered the school age years, just over five years ago, I thought I was on the road to success...they were all successfully potty trained, they helped me prepare meals, and were independent with completing their assigned chores around the house which made my job of mothering easier. However, homework and discussions around real life issues seemed to be the new season of it will never end.

I am more than ever aware that my husband and I are influencing these little lives to shape them into people who love the Lord for themselves and will commit their lives to advance God's kingdom. This reality makes me want to will time to slow down. I take every opportunity I get to stop and be "together" with my kids. Together, we read long books, take adventure hikes with no idea where we'll end up, and bake up some of the most amazing treats you've ever tasted. I know this next decade will speed by and it won't be long before they are graduating high school, walking down aisles committing to marriage, and achieving their life dreams. YIKES!!!

My saving grace comes from one of my favorite bible verses, Matt 6:33-34 says, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." I am humbly reminded in these verses that God will guide my steps during every stage of mothering. Knowing this brings forth a peace and comfort that can only come from our heavenly father. I am very grateful for this past decade and look forward to what the year 2010 will bring as my husband and I head into our next decade of parenting. "Together" I know we can make it! Write and share what you are looking forward to in the year 2010.

I pray you all have a blessed New Year,
Nichole, your AC