Please call in for our first ever Zone Conference call tonight from 8:30 - 9:15 pm.
ALL Steering Team Members are invited
Dial in #: (218) 339-2500
Access code: 122231#
The call will be hosted by our AC, Nichole Bethel, and Gayle Stahlman, AC for Zone 14(Western Pa and WV) It will be an introduction to doing a dual Zone conference call and the topic will be Called to Lead.
The agenda will be as follows:
· Welcome (2min)
· Open with Prayer (2min)
· Introduction (5min)
· Training (15min)
· Q&A (20min)
· Closing Prayer (1min)
Area Coordinator's (AC's) Corner
Nichole Bethel, Zone 22 AC
MOPS Convention ~ August 5-7, 2010
Registration for Convention is open on Monday, May 17th! Click on the picture.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The Daily Adventure...of Laundry
I'm doing laundry today. At least seven loads of it. (I'm sensing you're either empathizing with me, or panicking that you haven't yet done your own laundry.)
Well, I don't like doing laundry, and I really don't know anyone else who does. There may be one of you out there who does, but you would never publicly admit it, because people like me would think you've been inhaling way too many noxious cleaning product fumes.
I think I've come to a realization, though. I believe God gave us laundry to give us a glimpse, inadequate though it may be, of the concept of eternity. Think about it...you don't really know when laundry began for you, and it's never going to end!
Seriously, though, as I was putting my load of delicate darks into the dryer a few minutes ago, and thought about how much I dislike this monotonous routine, something new came over me. The overwhelming desire to thank God for loving me enough to give me the gift of laundry.
Before you call the people with the white jackets on me, let me share what God just revealed to me.
Here's a list of ways I can be thankful to God for my laundry:
1) Clothes - We have them.
2) My husband and kids - They wear the clothes.
3) Washer and dryer - I have both. They're in my house, so I don't have to go to a laundromat to wash and dry our clothes.
4) Dirt and stains - This means my family is playing, eating, exercising and enjoying life.
5) Laundry detergent, Spray 'N' Wash, bleach, dryer sheets - I can afford to buy all of these things used to clean and "de-static" our clothes.
6) My body - I have a healthy, strong body that enables me to sort, move, pre-treat, load, unload, fold, hang and put away the laundry.
7) Time - I get to be a stay-at-home mom, which gives me plenty of time to do the laundry.
I could probably think of many more things related to laundry that I could thank God for, but soon I'll have to go tend to my "lights".
What, in your daily adventure, can you thank God for? Add them to my post so we can all join in praise and thanksgiving to our God, who alone is worthy to receive it.
And maybe, the next time you consider how wide and long and high and deep is the pile of dirty laundry in your home, you'll also consider how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Jesus Christ for you, sister.
Well, I don't like doing laundry, and I really don't know anyone else who does. There may be one of you out there who does, but you would never publicly admit it, because people like me would think you've been inhaling way too many noxious cleaning product fumes.
I think I've come to a realization, though. I believe God gave us laundry to give us a glimpse, inadequate though it may be, of the concept of eternity. Think about it...you don't really know when laundry began for you, and it's never going to end!
Seriously, though, as I was putting my load of delicate darks into the dryer a few minutes ago, and thought about how much I dislike this monotonous routine, something new came over me. The overwhelming desire to thank God for loving me enough to give me the gift of laundry.
Before you call the people with the white jackets on me, let me share what God just revealed to me.
Here's a list of ways I can be thankful to God for my laundry:
1) Clothes - We have them.
2) My husband and kids - They wear the clothes.
3) Washer and dryer - I have both. They're in my house, so I don't have to go to a laundromat to wash and dry our clothes.
4) Dirt and stains - This means my family is playing, eating, exercising and enjoying life.
5) Laundry detergent, Spray 'N' Wash, bleach, dryer sheets - I can afford to buy all of these things used to clean and "de-static" our clothes.
6) My body - I have a healthy, strong body that enables me to sort, move, pre-treat, load, unload, fold, hang and put away the laundry.
7) Time - I get to be a stay-at-home mom, which gives me plenty of time to do the laundry.
I could probably think of many more things related to laundry that I could thank God for, but soon I'll have to go tend to my "lights".
What, in your daily adventure, can you thank God for? Add them to my post so we can all join in praise and thanksgiving to our God, who alone is worthy to receive it.
And maybe, the next time you consider how wide and long and high and deep is the pile of dirty laundry in your home, you'll also consider how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Jesus Christ for you, sister.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
2009-2010 MOPS Theme Announced
Be sure to check out the MOPS International leader's website for the new theme for 2009-2010. Also, there will be an article in your March Connections magazine.
http://www.mops.org/leaders/bb/viewtopic.php?t=11790
Tell us your thoughts right here on the blog.
Thanks,
Christy
http://www.mops.org/leaders/bb/viewtopic.php?t=11790
Tell us your thoughts right here on the blog.
Thanks,
Christy
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Roadside Assistance
Recently the words "roadside assistance" caught my attention. I immediately thought that if you had to use those words in a sentence there would have to be an adventure story to go with it. That thought reminded me of an adventure I had with my boys over 10 years ago.
We were still fairly new to Jersey Shore PA in 1998. My sons were 1 and 6 years old. We got in the minivan and went to the Lycoming Mall. I can't recall why we went to the mall that day, but it is a bit of a drive. On the way home, while driving on the highway, I noticed that the van was making a strange pinging noise. It didn't feel safe for me to be driving with the kids on a highway with a strange noise emitting from the engine, so I exited in Williamsport (about halfway home from the mall) and pulled into the Pep Boys. I unloaded the boys and silently prayed that the noise was not too serious. One of the mechanics went out and checked the van.
Ugh, I do not like to admit my weaknesses, but I don't know too much about cars. (Fill them with gas, get the oil changed & tires rotated every so often, and make sure there are some children's cds in there to entertain Danielle.) I feel uncomfortable in repair shops and usually let my husband handle the details. Even if I did understand everything that the mechanic said to me, remember that I am in a Pep Boys with a 6-year-old and 1-year-old. My attention was divided. When he came back, he said many things to me, but in the conversation I heard that I shouldn't drive the van anywhere because the engine could blow. (ok, slow down and take some deep breaths) I quickly called my husband at work, about a 45-minute drive away, and he was sympathetic to my plight, but was unable to leave work early. He said he could probably get there in the next 2-3 hours.
WHAT???
I didn't want to be sitting in a Pep Boys for 2 or more hours with my children. We were going to have the car towed to our repair shop in Lock Haven, but I didn't think I would be able to get two car seats and me in the tow truck too.
I was not very happy. I was probably near tears trying to figure out an alternative.
Then it happened.
One of those God moments. (I think some people call them coincidences.)
Deanna, from my MOPS group, came into the Pep Boys. What were the chances? She heard parts of my conversation when she came over to say hi to me and then without a moment's hesitation, she offered us a ride home.
THANK YOU GOD!
Thank you Deanna!
I had not been a member of my MOPS group for very long and Deanna and I only knew each other through a couple of meetings. She rescued me that day.
Who knew that I would eventually become the Coordinator of the group and Deanna would serve on Steering with me and we would become good friends?
It is those small moments that sometimes get forgotten that really helped me build friendships within my MOPS group.
It all happened so quickly, but I know in the moment that I was very grateful to Deanna. I didn't have to hang out at Pep Boys for a couple of hours with my boys. I didn't even have much time to be too stressed about it.
That memory remained tucked away and almost forgotten and then I heard the words "roadside assistance" and I recalled an adventure that ultimately brought me closer to God.
Do you have a MOPS adventure like that? Please share.
We were still fairly new to Jersey Shore PA in 1998. My sons were 1 and 6 years old. We got in the minivan and went to the Lycoming Mall. I can't recall why we went to the mall that day, but it is a bit of a drive. On the way home, while driving on the highway, I noticed that the van was making a strange pinging noise. It didn't feel safe for me to be driving with the kids on a highway with a strange noise emitting from the engine, so I exited in Williamsport (about halfway home from the mall) and pulled into the Pep Boys. I unloaded the boys and silently prayed that the noise was not too serious. One of the mechanics went out and checked the van.
Ugh, I do not like to admit my weaknesses, but I don't know too much about cars. (Fill them with gas, get the oil changed & tires rotated every so often, and make sure there are some children's cds in there to entertain Danielle.) I feel uncomfortable in repair shops and usually let my husband handle the details. Even if I did understand everything that the mechanic said to me, remember that I am in a Pep Boys with a 6-year-old and 1-year-old. My attention was divided. When he came back, he said many things to me, but in the conversation I heard that I shouldn't drive the van anywhere because the engine could blow. (ok, slow down and take some deep breaths) I quickly called my husband at work, about a 45-minute drive away, and he was sympathetic to my plight, but was unable to leave work early. He said he could probably get there in the next 2-3 hours.
WHAT???
I didn't want to be sitting in a Pep Boys for 2 or more hours with my children. We were going to have the car towed to our repair shop in Lock Haven, but I didn't think I would be able to get two car seats and me in the tow truck too.
I was not very happy. I was probably near tears trying to figure out an alternative.
Then it happened.
One of those God moments. (I think some people call them coincidences.)
Deanna, from my MOPS group, came into the Pep Boys. What were the chances? She heard parts of my conversation when she came over to say hi to me and then without a moment's hesitation, she offered us a ride home.
THANK YOU GOD!
Thank you Deanna!
I had not been a member of my MOPS group for very long and Deanna and I only knew each other through a couple of meetings. She rescued me that day.
Who knew that I would eventually become the Coordinator of the group and Deanna would serve on Steering with me and we would become good friends?
It is those small moments that sometimes get forgotten that really helped me build friendships within my MOPS group.
It all happened so quickly, but I know in the moment that I was very grateful to Deanna. I didn't have to hang out at Pep Boys for a couple of hours with my boys. I didn't even have much time to be too stressed about it.
That memory remained tucked away and almost forgotten and then I heard the words "roadside assistance" and I recalled an adventure that ultimately brought me closer to God.
Do you have a MOPS adventure like that? Please share.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
New Year's Resolutions: How Are You Doing?
It's February 10th, the 41st day of 2009. Did you make any New Year's resolutions? If so, how are you doing? I'm sure that question will have a variety of answers such as, I'm right on track; I've steered off a little, but getting back on track; I'm off track; and my all time favorite, what is a track? The good news is wherever you are with your New Year's resolutions, you are not alone.
Phil 3:13b-14 says, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." One of Webster's definitions for the word strain is excessive tension or exertion. Now it all makes sense. No wonder many of us have struggled to keep up with our New Year's resolutions: they require hard work. Well, wasn't that the point? You don't jump off a roller coaster ride once you realize it's more than you originally bargained for, right? I know some of you are thinking, I NEVER got on the roller coaster in the first place. Humor me anyway by not focusing on the hard work (strain) it takes to achieve the goal, but think about what you'll gain once the goal is achieved. I love focusing on outcomes.
Our kids had always been homeschooled. Last spring, my husband and I decided to send our 4 children to school outside of the home starting in September 2008. I was terrified of what this new beginning would require of us including, keeping up with 4 different teachers, hectic schedules, and homework. The transition has been very painful. I feel like I am straining everyday to achieve what is expected of us. This morning I was deep in thought about it all and decided to call my beloved husband, Keith, on his way to work and asked, "Do you have a plan for how we are going to finish this school year well?" My loving and wise husband recognized this was potentially a very loaded question, so he asked, "Do you have something on your mind that you would like to share with me?" I love when he answers my question with a question. The truth is, I didn't. I know in order to reach the goal, which is completing the school year successfully, we have to forget what is behind (poor test scores and name calling) and continue straining ahead (get tutors, meet with teachers, talk to our kids regularly about how to handle unpleasant situations). I n the end, I know this outcome is well worth the strain.
So, I ask you again, how are you doing with those New Year's resolutions? Don't answer, just keep straining ahead, knowing you are heading toward somewhere good. As women, mothers, and leaders, be encouraged that as we continue to develop, we are equipped to strain across the finish line.
Phil 3:13b-14 says, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." One of Webster's definitions for the word strain is excessive tension or exertion. Now it all makes sense. No wonder many of us have struggled to keep up with our New Year's resolutions: they require hard work. Well, wasn't that the point? You don't jump off a roller coaster ride once you realize it's more than you originally bargained for, right? I know some of you are thinking, I NEVER got on the roller coaster in the first place. Humor me anyway by not focusing on the hard work (strain) it takes to achieve the goal, but think about what you'll gain once the goal is achieved. I love focusing on outcomes.
Our kids had always been homeschooled. Last spring, my husband and I decided to send our 4 children to school outside of the home starting in September 2008. I was terrified of what this new beginning would require of us including, keeping up with 4 different teachers, hectic schedules, and homework. The transition has been very painful. I feel like I am straining everyday to achieve what is expected of us. This morning I was deep in thought about it all and decided to call my beloved husband, Keith, on his way to work and asked, "Do you have a plan for how we are going to finish this school year well?" My loving and wise husband recognized this was potentially a very loaded question, so he asked, "Do you have something on your mind that you would like to share with me?" I love when he answers my question with a question. The truth is, I didn't. I know in order to reach the goal, which is completing the school year successfully, we have to forget what is behind (poor test scores and name calling) and continue straining ahead (get tutors, meet with teachers, talk to our kids regularly about how to handle unpleasant situations). I n the end, I know this outcome is well worth the strain.
So, I ask you again, how are you doing with those New Year's resolutions? Don't answer, just keep straining ahead, knowing you are heading toward somewhere good. As women, mothers, and leaders, be encouraged that as we continue to develop, we are equipped to strain across the finish line.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Optimism: Where can I get some??
OPTIMISM. Bath and Body Works is selling it all bottled up as an aromatherapy. I admit that I shop there, but this discussion isn't about where I shop. Perhaps we can discuss that at another time. No, this discussion is about what I want. I got the coolest flyer in the mail with a picture similar to the one here and inside there was a coupon for "a free aromatherapy body care or home fragrance item of your choice with any purchase of $15 or more". I couldn't stop my mind from wandering and I thought "Wow, I could really use some optimism right about now."
Within the flyer, it says "Optimism: jump-start your day with confidence and a smile! Our newest Aromatherapy Collection for body and home is a bright blend of jasmine, tuberose and mate(accent over the e)absolutes to help lift your mood and instill a sense of optimism."
Ok, so I don't really know what tuberose and mate(accent over the e) absolutes are but they must be some pretty powerful scents mixed in with jasmine to help lift that mood that I'm in. I want some. Give me, give me, give me.
Before I go out and get my free bottle of optimism (after a $15 purchase), I was inspired to check on the definition. My The New Merriam-Webster Dictionary has this definition:
op.ti.mism:an inclination to anticipate the best possible outcome of actions or events
Super, that is what I really want right now to anticipate the best possible outcome of actions or events. WOW! I really want some optimism when I see people's homes going to foreclosure, so many job cuts every time I open the paper and read the news, and friends and their families falling ill and struggling. Being bombarded with the recession and how it is affecting everyone has really made it difficult not to worry. (sigh) I start to worry, then I get myself a little worked up, and then I become a downer. It is all I can think about and all I can talk about and it consumes me and my life. So, ok, give me that bottle of optimism, I am ready.
Wait a second. Slow down sister. Let me think. There is a way for me to get some optimism and I don't think I need a coupon. It doesn't come in a bottle either. I think I can find it in the Bible. If I truly want to "jump-start my day with confidence and a smile" I can turn to God. It sounds almost too good to be true in advertising "jump-start my day with confidence and a smile", but isn't that (and, oh, so much more) what God offers us through a relationship with him.
Looking at the MOPS International theme verse for this year helps me to understand that through my relationship with God and through the Holy Spirit (verse 16), Christ is a part of me and I can know God's love.
“…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:17-18
We also have the much-loved and well-known verse:
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
Knowing that I have eternal life should help me start my day with confidence and a smile.
Maybe I will use that coupon or perhaps I will let it expire, but it doesn't really matter because I know that when I am down, I can turn to God. I can start my day with confidence and a smile by renewing my relationship with him and refreshing my attitudes with his Word. I am "optimistic" that no matter what happens, God is with me.
Thanks,
Christy
Thursday, January 22, 2009
How's Your Fruit?
Something other than my alarm clock awakened me this morning. It was unpleasant... annoying...irritating. It was my daughter.
The instigator: my son. The crime: inequitable distribution of cereal. Why, oh why, must we live in a world of finite resources? It's so unfair!
But that's not my point. My point is, I didn't want to deal with this. I was annoyed, irritated by this meltdown of magnificent proportions. So, I acted swiftly. I yelled at her to go to her room immediately. She did. There. Problem solved.
Well, not so much. After another 20 minutes of tantrum-throwing that I feared would wake our wall-sharing neighbors (I enjoyed a brief reprieve while I brushed my teeth and the running water drowned out her shrieks), I did finally take real action. (And no, I didn't inflict physical punishment -- in case you were wondering.)
Later in the day, after she and her completely innocent and falsely accused brother departed for school, I happened to be reading the words penned by Matthew, the apostle.
In Chapter 13, verse 31, Matthew writes, "Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. 'You of little faith,' he said, 'why did you doubt?'" Jesus was talking to Peter, just after he had walked out onto the lake's water in faith, but then allowed doubt and fear to distract him from looking at Jesus.
But did you notice how the verse starts with the word "immediately?" That's what caught my eye this morning. Jesus acted immediately. Even though Peter looked away, Jesus immediately reached out to save him. He didn't hesitate -- wondering if Peter was worth it, pondering His annoyance at Peter's lack of faith, irritated at the inconvenience of it all -- His act of love was immediate.
In an in-the-moment prayer, I asked God, "Why is it so hard to put my faith into action? Why is it so hard to be fruitful? To show love? Patience? Kindness? Gentleness? Faithfulness? How can I do that without hesitation?" (You recognize some of these words as the Fruit of the Spirit, right?)
How is your Fruit? Mine could be better. Jucier. Tastier. More abundant.
The IVP New Testament Commentary says with regard to this passage of Scripture in Matthew, "Jesus is training disciples who will not simply regurgitate his oral teachings but will have the faith to demonstrate his authority in practice as well."
With the training we receive through God's word, God's ministers, and fellow followers of Christ, let's all strive to be better practicers, demonstrators and imitators of our Savior, and give God the glory, great things He has done!
The instigator: my son. The crime: inequitable distribution of cereal. Why, oh why, must we live in a world of finite resources? It's so unfair!
But that's not my point. My point is, I didn't want to deal with this. I was annoyed, irritated by this meltdown of magnificent proportions. So, I acted swiftly. I yelled at her to go to her room immediately. She did. There. Problem solved.
Well, not so much. After another 20 minutes of tantrum-throwing that I feared would wake our wall-sharing neighbors (I enjoyed a brief reprieve while I brushed my teeth and the running water drowned out her shrieks), I did finally take real action. (And no, I didn't inflict physical punishment -- in case you were wondering.)
Later in the day, after she and her completely innocent and falsely accused brother departed for school, I happened to be reading the words penned by Matthew, the apostle.
In Chapter 13, verse 31, Matthew writes, "Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. 'You of little faith,' he said, 'why did you doubt?'" Jesus was talking to Peter, just after he had walked out onto the lake's water in faith, but then allowed doubt and fear to distract him from looking at Jesus.
But did you notice how the verse starts with the word "immediately?" That's what caught my eye this morning. Jesus acted immediately. Even though Peter looked away, Jesus immediately reached out to save him. He didn't hesitate -- wondering if Peter was worth it, pondering His annoyance at Peter's lack of faith, irritated at the inconvenience of it all -- His act of love was immediate.
In an in-the-moment prayer, I asked God, "Why is it so hard to put my faith into action? Why is it so hard to be fruitful? To show love? Patience? Kindness? Gentleness? Faithfulness? How can I do that without hesitation?" (You recognize some of these words as the Fruit of the Spirit, right?)
How is your Fruit? Mine could be better. Jucier. Tastier. More abundant.
The IVP New Testament Commentary says with regard to this passage of Scripture in Matthew, "Jesus is training disciples who will not simply regurgitate his oral teachings but will have the faith to demonstrate his authority in practice as well."
With the training we receive through God's word, God's ministers, and fellow followers of Christ, let's all strive to be better practicers, demonstrators and imitators of our Savior, and give God the glory, great things He has done!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Zone 22 Council B Meeting Pictures
Hi Everyone,
I had 19 MOPS Steering Team Leaders attend our Council Meeting on Saturday, January 17. I was able to take some pictures of the group and wanted to share with all of you.
If you aren't sure what a Council Meeting is or want to know if your Steering Team is invited to a Council meeting, please leave a comment and your Zone 22 Field Leaders will get you the information you need. As you know, some groups do not have a Council Coordinator and we are always praying that moms in our Zone will answer God's call to fill these roles. Please let us know if you have any questions or if you are feeling called.
Thanks,
Christy
I had 19 MOPS Steering Team Leaders attend our Council Meeting on Saturday, January 17. I was able to take some pictures of the group and wanted to share with all of you.
If you aren't sure what a Council Meeting is or want to know if your Steering Team is invited to a Council meeting, please leave a comment and your Zone 22 Field Leaders will get you the information you need. As you know, some groups do not have a Council Coordinator and we are always praying that moms in our Zone will answer God's call to fill these roles. Please let us know if you have any questions or if you are feeling called.
Thanks,
Christy
Sunday, January 18, 2009
KidsLink Downrange ~ MOPS Service Project
KidsLink Downrange is a service project for all MOPS groups to help military moms and their families! MOPS groups will create card kits for kids whose parent is deployed. Kits will be delivered to kids at Fort Hood, Texas this spring.
MOPS groups will design card kits that contain everything a military child will need to write to his or her parent throughout the year. In this way, children who are separated from a parent can still have the vital interaction they need with their parent as they grow and develop. Anyone can choose to be a part of this project – all it takes is a little time and creativity. View instructions here.
Card kits will be sent by groups to Cadence International in Colorado and delivered by the Military Children’s Ministry staff at Fort Hood elementary schools. There is an imminent need for MOPS groups to help create card kits for kids there! Our goal is to send 5,000 card kits to the 70,000+ kids living in the Fort Hood area. Registration ends February 15, 2009.
Pledge your participation today!
Click on the KidLink Downrange header at the top of this blog and you can go to the MOPS website for additional information. I have checked out the KidsLink Downrange MOPS page and I am so encouraged to see that several groups in our Zone have already pledged their support. Please share your thoughts and ideas about this service project with us here on the blog.
MOPS groups will design card kits that contain everything a military child will need to write to his or her parent throughout the year. In this way, children who are separated from a parent can still have the vital interaction they need with their parent as they grow and develop. Anyone can choose to be a part of this project – all it takes is a little time and creativity. View instructions here.
Card kits will be sent by groups to Cadence International in Colorado and delivered by the Military Children’s Ministry staff at Fort Hood elementary schools. There is an imminent need for MOPS groups to help create card kits for kids there! Our goal is to send 5,000 card kits to the 70,000+ kids living in the Fort Hood area. Registration ends February 15, 2009.
Pledge your participation today!
Click on the KidLink Downrange header at the top of this blog and you can go to the MOPS website for additional information. I have checked out the KidsLink Downrange MOPS page and I am so encouraged to see that several groups in our Zone have already pledged their support. Please share your thoughts and ideas about this service project with us here on the blog.
Friday, January 16, 2009
MOPS International Survey ~ Closes 1/30/09
As your Field Leaders, we are praying for energy, passion and excitement for you, your Steering Team, Discussion Group Leaders and moms as you begin the new year and the second half of our MOPS year.
We're also praying for you to lean on God’s strength as you continue to serve the Lord faithfully. Like you, We are also evaluating our ministry efforts and would love your input on how we're doing.
This survey is being conducted by MOPS International and groups throughout the MOPS organization are being asked to complete this survey.
Click here to provide your input.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=RGQGoiqueajxANk0LfHvnw_3d_3d
We're also praying for you to lean on God’s strength as you continue to serve the Lord faithfully. Like you, We are also evaluating our ministry efforts and would love your input on how we're doing.
This survey is being conducted by MOPS International and groups throughout the MOPS organization are being asked to complete this survey.
Click here to provide your input.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=RGQGoiqueajxANk0LfHvnw_3d_3d
Monday, January 05, 2009
Leadership for Life Summit
Hi!
Happy New Year to all of you! I hope that everyone had a happy and healthy holiday with your family and friends. If you had a MOPS meeting that you would like to share with us, please do so here.
I wanted to remind everyone that the MOPS Leadership for Life Summit scheduled for April 25, 2009 registration is now open on the MOPS website.
http://www.mops.org/page.php?pageid=1331&srctype=menu
Our Zone has 3 locations hosting the Summit: Manor Brethren in Lancaster PA, Willowdale Chapel in Kennett Square PA and Athens Wesleyan in Sayre. Hopefully, one of these locations is convenient for you and your Steering Team.
Please be sure to discuss this with your Team and plan to attend together.
Also, let your Council Coordinator know if you are going, so she can plan to see you there.
God Bless,
Christy
Happy New Year to all of you! I hope that everyone had a happy and healthy holiday with your family and friends. If you had a MOPS meeting that you would like to share with us, please do so here.
I wanted to remind everyone that the MOPS Leadership for Life Summit scheduled for April 25, 2009 registration is now open on the MOPS website.
http://www.mops.org/page.php?pageid=1331&srctype=menu
Our Zone has 3 locations hosting the Summit: Manor Brethren in Lancaster PA, Willowdale Chapel in Kennett Square PA and Athens Wesleyan in Sayre. Hopefully, one of these locations is convenient for you and your Steering Team.
Please be sure to discuss this with your Team and plan to attend together.
Also, let your Council Coordinator know if you are going, so she can plan to see you there.
God Bless,
Christy
Friday, November 21, 2008
White as Snow
I'm not a morning person. I admit it. I never have been.
So, when I awoke this morning to cries from my daughter, I was less than thrilled. Especially when I discovered it was because she couldn't snap her pants.
As I blinked to adjust my eyes to the light of her room, though, I happened to glance out her window and all I saw was white. My reaction was, "Wow!" When we went to bed last night, the grass was green, the road was black, and the sidewalks were gray. Now everything was covered in white.
Are you covered in white? Are you LIVING like you're covered in white?
I have to admit, I often fail at living like that. I get angry with my kids, I get critical of people, I get selfish with my time, finances, [fill in the blank]. All of this just points to my need to keep returning to God's word -- to remind myself of the way that God wants me to live.
In the first chapter of Isaiah, God says to the wicked nation of Judah:
16 “ Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, 17 Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow. 18 “ Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool."
Aren't you glad you've been washed white as snow? I want that cold wet white stuff outside this morning to remind me of my gracious Savior who shed His own crimson red blood for my evil doings so that I could be white as snow and live in His glorious grace, love and mercy.
"Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, 'Amen!' Praise the LORD." (Ps. 106:48)
So, when I awoke this morning to cries from my daughter, I was less than thrilled. Especially when I discovered it was because she couldn't snap her pants.
As I blinked to adjust my eyes to the light of her room, though, I happened to glance out her window and all I saw was white. My reaction was, "Wow!" When we went to bed last night, the grass was green, the road was black, and the sidewalks were gray. Now everything was covered in white.
Are you covered in white? Are you LIVING like you're covered in white?
I have to admit, I often fail at living like that. I get angry with my kids, I get critical of people, I get selfish with my time, finances, [fill in the blank]. All of this just points to my need to keep returning to God's word -- to remind myself of the way that God wants me to live.
In the first chapter of Isaiah, God says to the wicked nation of Judah:
16 “ Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, 17 Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow. 18 “ Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool."
Aren't you glad you've been washed white as snow? I want that cold wet white stuff outside this morning to remind me of my gracious Savior who shed His own crimson red blood for my evil doings so that I could be white as snow and live in His glorious grace, love and mercy.
"Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, 'Amen!' Praise the LORD." (Ps. 106:48)
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
People
Today I went to Wendy’s for lunch with two of my three children. As we sat there eating in the empty restaurant listening to my four year old talk about trucks and trains, all of a sudden high school students started filling the restaurant. As they sat down around me I started to overhear the conversations. It brought me back to when I was in high school. Did I ever imagine that I would be a mom and a wife or even have the Lord in my life? I then started to think about my early 20’s and the people that the Lord put in my life and how some of them are still a part of my life and some aren’t. God has placed other people in my life. Each of them has entered and left my life at the perfect time.
About two years ago, I had two girlfriends that had a very bad falling out so that they weren’t talking. It however put me in the middle of this fight that they were having. I remember how the Lord placed one of them in my life at just the right time in my late 20’s. At that time she started planting the seeds that lead me to the Lord. She also introduced me to my wonderful husband.
I thought about how His placement of people in my life has changed as I’ve gotten older. I saw how my love for my husband grow and grow over a year of off again, on again relationship and realizing at that moment that I knew he was the one. The Lord has also placed and helped my friendship with my other friend just at the right time for both my life and hers. But as the Lord placed these two women in my life, He has placed others in my life for this season that I am in now. But it makes me think, “Who has He placed in my life so that I can show them His mercy and grace?” Am I aware of the changes of the people in my life? Or how does my life touch other people, I don’t even know.
When I was pregnant with my son, I thought it would be fun to be on a baby story so I wrote in with my story. We were chosen and our story was put on the air. About a year ago, out of the blue a woman emailed us telling us that our story gave her such hope, that some day she would have another baby. I touched that women’s life and didn’t even know it. I also got to thinking, “Do we notice the people in our lives that need Christ? Do we notice that we need Christ in our lives?” Who has God placed in your life and whose life has he placed you in. Take a look around and see who is at preschool pick up with you or that mom at your MOPS group who doesn’t say much. Is it someone who needs a friend or just some help? Just take a look around; is there someone you can share God’s love with today?
About two years ago, I had two girlfriends that had a very bad falling out so that they weren’t talking. It however put me in the middle of this fight that they were having. I remember how the Lord placed one of them in my life at just the right time in my late 20’s. At that time she started planting the seeds that lead me to the Lord. She also introduced me to my wonderful husband.
I thought about how His placement of people in my life has changed as I’ve gotten older. I saw how my love for my husband grow and grow over a year of off again, on again relationship and realizing at that moment that I knew he was the one. The Lord has also placed and helped my friendship with my other friend just at the right time for both my life and hers. But as the Lord placed these two women in my life, He has placed others in my life for this season that I am in now. But it makes me think, “Who has He placed in my life so that I can show them His mercy and grace?” Am I aware of the changes of the people in my life? Or how does my life touch other people, I don’t even know.
When I was pregnant with my son, I thought it would be fun to be on a baby story so I wrote in with my story. We were chosen and our story was put on the air. About a year ago, out of the blue a woman emailed us telling us that our story gave her such hope, that some day she would have another baby. I touched that women’s life and didn’t even know it. I also got to thinking, “Do we notice the people in our lives that need Christ? Do we notice that we need Christ in our lives?” Who has God placed in your life and whose life has he placed you in. Take a look around and see who is at preschool pick up with you or that mom at your MOPS group who doesn’t say much. Is it someone who needs a friend or just some help? Just take a look around; is there someone you can share God’s love with today?
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Love Languages
Recently Beth Welmaker from Collegeville spoke to our MOPS group about The Love Languages. This classic topic for MOPS meetings goes well with the bible verse from The Adventures in Mothering theme: "...how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ." (Eph 3:18). Beth's talk is based on The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman, which explains how there are different ways people express love- with gifts, acts of service, words of affirmation, physical touch, and quality time. Beth is an excellent speaker and gives a mulitmedia presentation with wonderful examples, and the women in my group keep talking about how much they got out of her talk.
Beth's speaking web site is: http://www.geocities.com/bethwspeaks/
Sent to Christy Molnar from
Karyn Bosworth, MOPS Coordinator for Messiah Lutheran Church in Downingtown
Beth's speaking web site is: http://www.geocities.com/bethwspeaks/
Sent to Christy Molnar from
Karyn Bosworth, MOPS Coordinator for Messiah Lutheran Church in Downingtown
Friday, October 31, 2008
Going Beyond in Zone 22
As you know, our theme verse for this MOPS year is "how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ..." ~Eph 3:18. This verse is very near and dear to my heart, as it is one of the first verses I ever memorized. It has been an inspiration to me for over 20 years. I've tried to adjust my life to look more like the love of Christ as a result of this verse. When I first found out it was the theme verse for this MOPS year, I was very excited because I knew I would experience new "adventures" in loving like Christ. I began to pray that I would be open, ready, and willing. Well, who knew one of the new "adventures" would be adding to the MOPS Zone 22 blog site!
This post is only the second time I've EVER added to a blog site. I know some of you have just fallen off your seats with that information. I pride myself on having a strong understanding of the technology that is vital to "my life". The rest, I am comfortable to leave on the side of the road. However, as I search my heart wide and long and high and deep, I come up with how important this blog site is for all of us in this Zone to share information with one another. I love being stretched beyond what's important for "my life" for Zone 22. This is just the beginning...
Where do you need to go beyond this MOPS year? Post your beyond experiences.
Blessings to you all,
Nichole Bethel
Area Coordinator
Zone 22: Eastern PA and NJ
This post is only the second time I've EVER added to a blog site. I know some of you have just fallen off your seats with that information. I pride myself on having a strong understanding of the technology that is vital to "my life". The rest, I am comfortable to leave on the side of the road. However, as I search my heart wide and long and high and deep, I come up with how important this blog site is for all of us in this Zone to share information with one another. I love being stretched beyond what's important for "my life" for Zone 22. This is just the beginning...
Where do you need to go beyond this MOPS year? Post your beyond experiences.
Blessings to you all,
Nichole Bethel
Area Coordinator
Zone 22: Eastern PA and NJ
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
SDWSC
This button was given to all the attendees at the MOPS Convention. There was no explanation offered when the button was given to them and each mom was encouraged to wear her button throughout the Convention. Of course, there were many guesses on SDWSC. Some I remember involved Caffeine, Convention, and there was even a Sexy Christian guess. Luckily, as a Field Leader (FL), Elisa Morgan explained SDWSC to the FLs during our training prior to the start of the Convention. After it was explained to us, we were then instructed to forget what it meant. If a mom asked us, we were suppose to tell her that we weren't sure what it meant, but encourage her to figure out its meaning.At Saturday's General Session, Elisa Morgan read from Mark 14. I am going to post verses 3-9 from my NIV Bible.
"While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.
Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, 'Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor.' And they rebuked her harshly.
'Leave her alone,' said Jesus. 'Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing for me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.'"
She Did What She Could...
Any thoughts?
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Christy's Top Ten Convention Adventures
So, I was able to go to the MOPS Convention this year! YIPPEE!! I hope that you were there too, and, if not, I hope that one day you get to experience it. It is a truly amazing time with so many moms. If you did go to Convention, please share some of your top adventures with us. I really don't want to keep talking to myself.
Here they are....
10.The golden cowboy. (see the Convention slideshow)
9. Being able to eat a hot meal that I did not have to prepare without any interuptions. Yummy!
8. Wearing a purple shirt for two days & being able to fit all the free stuff I got into my suitcase. Whew!
7. Sitting through a General Session talk by Patrick Lencioni, buying his book, and actually reading the whole book so we can try not to be such a "Frantic Family".
6. Singing worship songs with Kim Hill and close to 5,000 moms. WOW!!! (all the artists were inspiring.)
5. Going to Carol Kuykendall's workshop. EPIC
4. Praying with Lyn Eichmann before her "How to be an Agent of Change" workshop. She gave a great talk too!
3. Meeting the moms from our Zone on Friday night with our Zone field leaders. Next time there will be sugar-free candy. All you ladies rock!
2. Devotions with our Zone on Saturday morning. AMEN!
1. Spending time connecting with incredible moms from all over while growing in my relationship with God. THANK YOU!
I could probably write 10 more, but really want to hear from you.
Share your adventure,
Christy
Here they are....
10.The golden cowboy. (see the Convention slideshow)
9. Being able to eat a hot meal that I did not have to prepare without any interuptions. Yummy!
8. Wearing a purple shirt for two days & being able to fit all the free stuff I got into my suitcase. Whew!
7. Sitting through a General Session talk by Patrick Lencioni, buying his book, and actually reading the whole book so we can try not to be such a "Frantic Family".
6. Singing worship songs with Kim Hill and close to 5,000 moms. WOW!!! (all the artists were inspiring.)
5. Going to Carol Kuykendall's workshop. EPIC
4. Praying with Lyn Eichmann before her "How to be an Agent of Change" workshop. She gave a great talk too!
3. Meeting the moms from our Zone on Friday night with our Zone field leaders. Next time there will be sugar-free candy. All you ladies rock!
2. Devotions with our Zone on Saturday morning. AMEN!
1. Spending time connecting with incredible moms from all over while growing in my relationship with God. THANK YOU!
I could probably write 10 more, but really want to hear from you.
Share your adventure,
Christy
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Commercial ~ CafeMom ~ Earn $50 towards MOPS activities!
What is CafeMom?
CafeMom is the largest online community site for moms and a proud partner of MOPS! CafeMom is a safe environment where moms can come to get advice, find support, make friends and just relax.
Why Start a CafeMom Group?
As a MOPS Leader, you can set up your own local group on CafeMom so your MOPS group can stay connected, develop and grow. Plus, you can connect with the larger MOPS community at the official MOPS@CafeMom group.
Join the MOPS community on CafeMom today!
Visit http://www.cafemom.com/mops
Creating Your Group is Easy
Go to the MOPS@CafeMom group forum posts and find a sticky post titled "Create a Group for Your Local MOPS Group", and click on the link in the post to create your group.
There are a few types of groups you can create. We recommend making your MOPS group a "Local" group.
Name your group so other MOPS moms can find you easily. Our recommendation is to use "MOPS - Anytown, State".
Go through a few easy steps to customize your group's description, privacy settings, and more.
Invite your MOPS friends! Go to the MOPS@CafeMom group forum posts and find a sticky post titled "Invite MOPS Moms!"
PLEASE NOTE: CafeMom will give local MOPS groups $50 towards group activities, to be used however you decide. Just get 10 participating moms in your local group by 11/30/08. http://www.cafemom.com/mops/rules
Just a note from me: I have actually been a member of cafemom for about a year now and I am so excited to see the MOPS presence all over. If you want to check out my profile, go to cafemom.com and search for cupoftea (that's my screen name). Once you set up a profile for yourself, we can become friends.
Post your comments and questions right here.
Christy
CafeMom is the largest online community site for moms and a proud partner of MOPS! CafeMom is a safe environment where moms can come to get advice, find support, make friends and just relax.
Why Start a CafeMom Group?
As a MOPS Leader, you can set up your own local group on CafeMom so your MOPS group can stay connected, develop and grow. Plus, you can connect with the larger MOPS community at the official MOPS@CafeMom group.
Join the MOPS community on CafeMom today!
Visit http://www.cafemom.com/mops
Creating Your Group is Easy
Go to the MOPS@CafeMom group forum posts and find a sticky post titled "Create a Group for Your Local MOPS Group", and click on the link in the post to create your group.
There are a few types of groups you can create. We recommend making your MOPS group a "Local" group.
Name your group so other MOPS moms can find you easily. Our recommendation is to use "MOPS - Anytown, State".
Go through a few easy steps to customize your group's description, privacy settings, and more.
Invite your MOPS friends! Go to the MOPS@CafeMom group forum posts and find a sticky post titled "Invite MOPS Moms!"
PLEASE NOTE: CafeMom will give local MOPS groups $50 towards group activities, to be used however you decide. Just get 10 participating moms in your local group by 11/30/08. http://www.cafemom.com/mops/rules
Just a note from me: I have actually been a member of cafemom for about a year now and I am so excited to see the MOPS presence all over. If you want to check out my profile, go to cafemom.com and search for cupoftea (that's my screen name). Once you set up a profile for yourself, we can become friends.
Post your comments and questions right here.
Christy
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
MOPS Convention Adventure
Hello, or for those who have recently returned from Texas, Howdy!
I had a wonderful MOPS Adventure this past weekend and it was great to be able to share it with so many amazing women! The Field Leaders from our Zone who attended included: Nichole Bethel, Kay Kissinger, Denise Kother, Rachael Weber, and, me, Christy Molnar. We missed our other Field Leaders: Cheryl Donner, Susan Entingh, and Lisa Johnson. We had a super turnout for our Zone time on Friday night and we even were able to pray together as a Zone during Devotions on Saturday morning (hi, Christine & Julia!). We are so grateful to each and every one of you for all that you do for MOPS and, ultimately, for God.
If you attended Convention, please share with us here under Comments one of your adventures. If you were unable to attend Convention, but would like to share a MOPS adventure with us, please do so. For the first couple of people who share an adventure, I will send you a gift.
I have more pictures from Convention to post, so please stop by later this week and check them out!
Christy
Saturday, September 20, 2008
New Adventures, New Leadership, Same Love and Commitment to Mothers of Preschoolers
Dear Ladies,
I have been dealing with some medical issues for a while now, limping as your leader with our wonderful Zone 22 Field Leaders keeping MOPS in Zone 22 going strong. After much prayer, tears and finally peace I have realized it was time to step down as your Area Coordinator and pass on the mantle of leadership. I have been honored and blessed to be your partner in this amazing ministry for 5 years at my local groups, and 9 years as a Field Leader. You have all blessed me as I stood beside you and watched how so many gifted women encourage, equip and develop every mother of preschoolers to to realize her potential as a woman, mother and leader in the name of Jesus Christ.
I am thrilled to pass on the role of Area Coordinator for MOPS Zone 22 to Nichole Bethel. She has been a dynamic and dedicated member of your Field Leader Team and is excited to be leading you into this new MOPS adventure. Please welcome her and support her as she seeks to serve you in the name of Christ.
Blessings,
Barb Vogelgesang
I have been dealing with some medical issues for a while now, limping as your leader with our wonderful Zone 22 Field Leaders keeping MOPS in Zone 22 going strong. After much prayer, tears and finally peace I have realized it was time to step down as your Area Coordinator and pass on the mantle of leadership. I have been honored and blessed to be your partner in this amazing ministry for 5 years at my local groups, and 9 years as a Field Leader. You have all blessed me as I stood beside you and watched how so many gifted women encourage, equip and develop every mother of preschoolers to to realize her potential as a woman, mother and leader in the name of Jesus Christ.
I am thrilled to pass on the role of Area Coordinator for MOPS Zone 22 to Nichole Bethel. She has been a dynamic and dedicated member of your Field Leader Team and is excited to be leading you into this new MOPS adventure. Please welcome her and support her as she seeks to serve you in the name of Christ.
Blessings,
Barb Vogelgesang
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