Whew! It was such an amazing day and the moms that I met and spoke to all added in special ways to my Summit experience. I have been mulling over in my mind what to write about and hoping my jumbled thoughts would become more cohesive. I do know there is one thing that I keep going back to in my head, ok, there really is more than one thing, but, this one thing is more persistent. Margaret Feinberg's talk was titled "Courageous Generosity" and referenced the Bible verse "God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7b I really started to think about her story about lending her stuff to people and feeling the Spirit urging her to give her possession to them, but her being unable to do that. I have been thinking about my own "giving" and how often I do so reluctantly or out of obligation. It is a real challenge for me.
Her notes in our Summit booklet say:
That little verse says a whole lot, because God isn't as concerned with the gift as much as he is with the attitude behind the gift. That means it doesn't matter whether the gift comes from Walmart or Williams-Sononma. What's important isn't even how it's wrapped (which is a good thing for those of us who stick to the ever ready, ever safe gift bag.) God looks at the heart, and he's looking for a happy one - a person who gives out of joy and overflow rather than out of guilt or fear or even mere obigation."
I could spend a lot of time mentally beating myself up for all those times I am not a cheerful giver, but after that negative thinking started dragging me way down, I changed my thoughts to focus on those times that I did give with a happy heart. I just need to expand that to more places. The "No Mom Alone Courage Challenge" consisted of three points.
1. "A generouse expression may require us to try something new, submerse ourselves in an activity that we're not naturally good at or surround with people who are different than us. Expanding our bandwidth of generosity requires courage."
2. "Look for an opportunity to express God's kindness and generosity in a specific way that doesn't make you feel comfortable. Prayerfully consider a generous act that requires you to be courageous and go for it!"
3. Living with courageous generosity isn't just about giving but also receiving. For many of us, giving can become a place of strength a role we assume, a part of the job description of being a good mom, a good leader or a good wife. Yet generosity includes receiving help, assistance and gifts graciously. Consider how giving and receiving are linked. Which are you naturally better at? Which do you need to become better at? How does receiving increase your humility, sense of community and the presence of God in your life?"
That is some challenge...and that was only part of the challenge we received at the MOPS Summit.
For the moms that attended, what part of the talks (Dr. Liz Selzer, the mom group, Margaret Feinberg, Naomi Cramer Overton) stood out to you and have you been able to find simple courage in the everyday?
For the moms that were unable to attend, was there any part of my little summary of Margaret Feinberg's talk that resonates for you? What is your fear and what is your passion?
Please, post comments and let's get a conversation started. Summit was so inspiring and it would be good for us to share our thoughts and ideas with one another.
Thanks,
Christy
Area Coordinator's (AC's) Corner

Nichole Bethel, Zone 22 AC
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
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
MOPS Convention ~ August 5-7, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
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