Friendly Reminders

Please remember to bring your Room at the Inn items on TUESDAY!!!  We will be preparing the gift bags AT THE MEETING.  IF you are not going to be there and Leslie doesn't have your donation please make arrangements with someone OR you may place it in the MOPS cabinet.  If you do use the MOPS cabinet please let Leslie Phillips know.

NO BREAKFAST on Tuesday!  We will be having a food demo and will enjoy fellowship over yummy soup and yeast rolls towards the end of our time together!

Please watch your inbox for evites about Playdates, Christmas Parties and Mom's Night Out!  If you are not receiving the evites please contact Christin.

Looking forward to seeing you Tuesday!
   

Kidzilla

Two of our MOPS moms were on the local news and can be seen here. 

I believe they will be available for autographs at our Dec. 6th meeting.

Special Guest Lara Williams

We are thrilled to welcome back speaker and writer Lara Williams.  Lara will be speaking on marriage, specifically about how God transformed her own thought life from being continually critical of her husband to being a wife who blessed him with her mind. From what she says, "The change transformed my home."

She will also bring her new book called Savoring Living Water: How to Have an Effective Quiet Time. You can get a copy for only $10, and $2 of that goes directly towards translating the Bible for a tribe in Africa. She will tell us more about that at our meeting.

Won't you join me in the morning to welcome Lara and listen to how God transformed her home.

MOPS SHOP 2011

Well, some things just don't work out.  This is one of those times.  The fun 'something' that was to post today, well, that was a movie clip or commercial, if you will.  It turns out something went wrong from the last review/save and we are unable to show you.  I am sorry AND bummed but maybe there will be another in the future....

with that being said I guess you need the info for the MOPS SHOP...

Monday, Sept 19 - drop off 10am - 3pm (LIFE Building)
Tuesday Sept 20 - shop TBA - TBA (don't you like that)  (LIFE Building)

WHAT TO BRING???
unwanted/used:
-toys, puzzles, riding toys
-clothes, all seasons but preferably fall/winter
-maternity clothes
-shoes
-books
-games
-household items (pots, pans, rugs, you name it)

DO I HAVE TO DROP OFF TO SHOP?
NO

Everything that is left will be donated to local groups for example infant/newborn items will go Room at the Inn.

Questions contact Jenn:  chrisjennjax at aol dot com

PRE-Register ONLINE

It's almost time! 

Tuesday, September 6th marks the start of a new year of MOPS at Life Community.  This year we've changed things up a bit.  For starters, you can register HERE.  Let's not forget about registering the children HERE, after all if you didn't have kiddo's we might not know you! 

Unfortunately we are NOT accepting online payments.  We will collect dues at our regular meetings. 

Spread the word and share this link!

Esther: Beth Moore Study Begins

June 14th
Join us at 9:30am – 11:30am every Tuesday morning for some sweet time together. We are going to repeat Beth Moore’s study of Esther… "It’s tough being a woman…" Beth peels back the layers of history and shows how very contemporary the story of Esther really is. " Whether you are a "Firstimer" or a "Repeater" - This is a juicy treat for us all. Come and See!! Babysitting IS provided. To sign up for babysitting contact Betty Anne Bush. babush at triad dot rr dot com

Reflecting on 2010-2011

There's always room for improvement.  Please go HERE and complete our survey (of course it is anonymously submitted!) 

I changed the post time so I could be on top...keep scrolling for Janet's poem and Farewell!

Farewell as MOPS Coorindator

So many had to miss the meeting I wanted you all to read my letter to everyone that I read at the meeting this morning.-Janet

Farewell

When I took over MOPS 2 years ago I was both excited and scared to death. I had no idea what God had in store for me or for MOPS.

I had a couple goals. The number 1 goal was that we would not have 1 meeting where we did not invite God In and look to his word for direction, support, hope or encouragement. I knew that there was no way that I could lead a group of ladies without that…I at first I looked at it as support, but it quickly became my life line.

I 100% believe that this is why our group doubled the first year and tripled this year. From average of 20 moms attending a meeting to 35 last year, to 45 this year. We grew from 55 MOPPETS to 118.

My 2^nd goal was to increase the mentor moms within our group. The wiser women that many of us crave to learn from. To sit with and soak in what they will share. To have someone who has been there done that.. Walked the walk and survived which on most days many of us don’t feel like it is even possible to survive. Thanks to Anne McGugin for heading that up we have grown from 3 mentor moms to over 8. Truly amazing. And if you have ever been on the receiving end of a praying that they have prayed over you and your family, you understand how awesome it is that these ladies care about us to be here.

My number 3 goal was to increase the service that our group did. I believed that even though we are knee high in laundry and at least 2 of our 3 kids needed a diaper change that we could serve others as moms. I actually created the position within our group, before MOPS International did…which was God’s confirmation. With the help of Jenn Duke, year 1 and Leslie and Laura year too, we have increased our service from 2-3 a whole year to at least 1 a month, and in most cases 2. Service is where my heart is and to put that responsibility on this group was challenging, but so rewarding. We reached so many people and have no idea how much those seeds will grow.

I hope that these three are legacies I can leave for the group in years to come.

Leading MOPS God changed me in so many ways. I never before had felt the pull and heart break and responsibility for women’s /mother’s souls than I did leading this group. My first year, it all but consumed me. It was very hard to let go and let God work but work He sure did. Over the last 2 year, several mornings, if you got here early enough, you would find me face down on this carpet, pouring out to the Lord for the mothers/visitors/speakers that would be coming through those doors. I never knew how much I would need God to lead this group. How silly. But I am thankful He knew. As a group over the past two years, we have experienced loss of unborn babies, cancer, sickness, death of family members, a hurricane, loss of incomes, accidents, depression, sadness, heartache. God has healed and he is healing…He has supported us, comforted us and has pulled us out of our pits, drawn us closer. He has saved us. Praise Jesus.

As a group we have also experienced, Birth of children, adoptions, miraculous healing, safety from the storm, our joyfulness back, supportive friends, and sisters in Christ.

God is with us.. God is growing us. Praise Jesus.

I can’t end letting you all believe that I have done this all myself. Because I haven’t. I have had an awesome Steering team that pick up the slack been here early to set-up…stayed late to clean-up and pitched in everywhere in between. And of course, Morgan..What can I say…she has been incredible…she has stuck with me these last two year, even when in year one right as we begun; she was focusing on a move back home, after her husband could not find work. God thankfully kept them here and provided an awesome career move for her husband. Praise God. It has been a pleasure leading with you. Even though I am sure it was hard at times to ride on my roller coaster, I do thank you for staying aboard...

I can’t say that this wasn’t the stuffiest thing I have ever done in my life, because it was. Leading a group of moms, while be a mother.. Who came up with that anyways? But it has made me without a doubt a better leader, a better sister in Christ, a better prayer warrior, and better friend and a better follower. And to that I am eternally thankful.

As I turn this leadership over to Morgan, I have no doubt that God will do even bigger and better things for this group. And I am thankful I will still be around to be a part of it. I love you all and always have an open door for you..My house most likely will be messy.. .but the mother inside will always be willing to talk and pray with you.

Poem read today at MOPS...Loving Jesus

Loving Jesus

I started my day early,

Before the room was light.

I lifted my son from his crib

And wished it was still night.

But as I held him close and said,

"Hi, Kenneth, precious one,"

I knew that as I greeted him,

I greeted too God's Son.

When my daughter woke up later,

Calling, "Mommy! Mommy! Down!"

I picked her up and hugged her

In her worn Elmo nightgown.

I know she felt the closeness

That a mother's touch affords.

I welcomed not just Ellie,

But so, too, the Lord of Lords.

That day, I mixed some formula

And opened jars of peas.

I fixed some "pizza butter" bread

When she grinned and said, "Pleeeeease."

I heated up some leftovers;

I had to nuke them twice.

And when I fed my children,

I was feeding Jesus Christ.

I made some funny faces,

And "played puzzles" on the floor.

I dressed kitties, ran around outside,

And played with them some more.

We laughed and jumped and tickled,

Making memories to be stored.

When I spent time with my children,

I spent time with my Lord.

I wiped up sticky cereal

And washed the dishes clean.

I straightened, picked up, put away,

And dusted in between.

I did six loads of laundry

And folded it like new.

When I cleaned for my children,

I cleaned for my Savior, too.

When my children were both crying,

I held them in my arms.

I cuddled them and whispered

That I'd keep them safe from harm.

I told them how their Father saved them

With His perfect Lamb.

When I comforted my children,

I comforted I AM.

Later on that evening,

I put them in the bath.

I washed their little bodies

As they kicked around and splashed.

I dried them in soft towels

And put their jammies on.

When I had washed my children's feet,

I'd washed the Holy One.

I cooked and cleaned and rearranged,

Made beds and taught and played.

I made sure that we had food to eat

And that we often prayed.

I died to self. I made a home

From ordinary things.

But when I served my children,

I served the King of Kings.

To some, I have done nothing,

But to two, I've done the world.

I made eternal difference

To my precious boy and girl,

And to the One who watches over

Every pathway that I've trod.

For when I've loved my precious children,

I've loved Almighty God.

- Megan Breedlove (www.MannaForMoms.com)

Celebration Meeting

Well our last meeting on the 2010-11 Year is coming to an end. Please come...you will have a great time.

MOPS Craft Information

We potted 3 herbs today, here are the directions straight from the back of the seed packet:

OREGANO- Days to Germination- 8-14, Planting Depth 1/8 in, plant spacing 12 in., Plant height 14 -22 in.
Start seed indoors in a sunny location 6 weeks before transplanting outside.

BASIL- Days to Germination- 5-10, Planting Depth 1/4 in, plant spacing 10 in., Plant height 22 in.
Start seed indoors in a sunny location 6 weeks before transplanting outside.

ROSEMARY- Days to Germination- 15-25, Planting Depth 1/8 in, plant spacing 36 in., Plant height 2-6 ft.
Start indoors by sowing thickly in light, well drained soil 8 weeks before transplanting outside.

Just to let you ladies know too. That potting soil was organic.

Here is a site to tell you how to take care of your herbs: http://www.ehow.com/how_4540126_grow-herbs-indoors-winter.html

Thanks, Sara

MOPS Meeting 5/3: Gardening 301

The Sun is shining and the rain is falling, perfect time to take our course in Gardening. Professor Betty Anne Bush will bring us a word from God and give us some gardening tips.

Sara and Tanya have an awesome craft planned as well.

Surely a meeting you dont want to miss. Only 2 left.

How to Bake Your Plate

Air dry for 21 days or bake.
Bake: Air dry for 1 hour. Then place in cool oven, set oven to 350, bake for 30 mintues, leave in oven to cool, remove from cool oven.

Hand wash or use top rack of dishwasher only.

Thanks Sara for these easy peasy directions!!!

Mexican Hashbrown Casserole

Thanks to Joanna for submitting this WINNING recipe!

1 lb. cooked sausage

2 lbs. hashbrown potatoes

1 can rotel, drained (i used the mexican style with lime and cilantro)

1/2 onion, chopped

1/2 stick butter, melted

1 can cream of mushroom or chicken soup

1 cup sour cream

2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack)

2-3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

seasoned salt

pepper



Mix together all ingredients and bake in greased casserole dish at 400 degrees for 45 minutes.

Meeting: Anatomy 405: Connecting the Heart and Brain

Easter Message:

We only have 3 meetings left in this year. We will soon be graduating and earning our degrees in Momology. There will be a final exam.. are you ready.. details on that later...

Tuesday we are taking Anatomy 405 with a special message from the book Ruth called “Living to Make a Difference”. We Welcome Pastor Jake back for this message.

We also have a special craft, you don't want to miss.

We will only have 1 meeting in April due to the teacher work day the 3rd Tuesday. Please come be apart of this meeting.

March Service Project: Items needed

For our March service project, we will be collecting items for the Carpenter House in HP. This is the "domestic abuse" shelter where women go to seek a safe place. We are excited to be able to help these women be as comfortable as possible in this transition in their difficult lives. So all of you coupon queens, stock up for this one! We will be collecting these items at the meeting on March 15th, and we plan to take the items sometime later in the month. The supplies we will be collecting for them include:

· African American hair care products

· cleaning supplies

· plastic forks and spoons (no knives—already have 2 cases)

· condiments

· juices boxes

· snacks (individual sized)

· Plus size clothing (used is fine, but they do not need maternity)

· paper products (tissue, toilet paper, paper towels)

· conditioner (always stocked with shampoo but not conditioner)

· board games (used is fine as long as all the pieces are there…”Life” is a favorite, and they would love to have more)

· arts and craft kits

· gently used toys

· They currently have all the car seats and strollers they can store, however they do have a program that targets parents of young children (under the age of 2) who are at risk, and could pass along anything you guys want to get rid of.

Please email me at lesliephillips3704@hotmail.com or Laura at lkdonath@gmail.com if you have any questions

3/1 follow-up: T-shirt drive

Congrats Ladies: We ended up collecting 340 t-shirts for Sweet Cheek Diaper Kits, which will be turned into cloth diapers.

Thanks Shane for giving us so much information on cloth diapers. I know I am hooked. Can't wait to get started.


(all those bags contain the t-shirts we collected)

Tickle Our Taste Buds Winner: Tanya Dickens

Friendship Bread Starter Part I

Ingredients 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
3 cups white sugar, divided
3 cups milk

Directions
1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Let stand 10 minutes. In a 2 quart container glass, plastic or ceramic container, combine 1 cup flour and 1 cup sugar. Mix thoroughly or flour will lump when milk is added. Slowly stir in 1 cup milk and dissolved yeast mixture. Cover loosely and let stand until bubbly. Consider this day 1 of the 10 day cycle. Leave loosely covered at room temperature.
2. On days 2 thru 4; stir starter with a spoon. Day 5; stir in 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk. Days 6 thru 9; stir only.
3. Day 10; stir in 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk. Remove 1 cup to make your first bread, give 2 cups to friends along with this recipe, and your favorite Amish Bread recipe. Store the remaining 1 cup starter in a container in the refrigerator, or begin the 10 day process over again (beginning with step 2).

Friendship Bread Recipe PART II

Ingredients
1 cup Amish Friendship Bread Starter
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup applesauce
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 eggs
1/2 cup milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Lightly grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans.
2. In a large bowl, stir together Amish Friendship Starter, oil, applesauce, sugar, vanilla, eggs and milk. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Stir into the starter mixture. Mix in the vanilla pudding mix. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
3. Bake for 60 minutes in the preheated oven, until a knife inserted comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in pans before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

MOPS Meeting: Going Green in a Godly Way

MOPS is excited to have Shane Morris coming to talk to us about cloth diapering and her non-profit Sweet Cheek Diaper Kits, whose mission is to: provide low-income families in the NC Triad area with FREE cloth diapers and supplies. Cloth diapers are less expensive, better for the environment, and are reusable. Help us change the world, one cloth bottom at a time!

Remember we are doing a t-shirt drive so empty your closets. Those t-shirts will be turned into cloth diapers.

Come with all your questions, because Shane has a lot of the answers.

2/15 meeting follow-up

Special Thanks to Pastor Barry for opening up to us about Loving Our Husbands. It was a message that hit home for a lot of us, moms and from a testimony of at least one of our moms, made a huge impact on her marriage. We love seeing God working.

Tickle Our Taste Bud Winner: Stacy Varvel

Sausage Spinach Squares

• Spread one tube crescent rolls in the bottom of a greased 9x13 baking dish.
• Bake fore 5 minutes ate 350.
  
• Mix two packages of softened cream cheese with 1 cup cooked spinach and 2 cups cooked, crumbled sausage.
  
• Spread cream cheese mixture on top of crescent rolls and place another tube of crescent rolls on top.
  
• Brush top with 1tbs melted butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  
• Cook for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
  
• Do not cut until they have cooled a while or you will have a mess.

Chemistry 402: Bring on the Fireworks:Loving Your Husband

Class is back in session this Tuesday Feb 15th. We will be taken Chemistry 402, with the emphasis on, "Bring on the Fireworks: Loving Your Husband".

So come prepared with your safety goggles and your test tubes, because we are going to be blown away with this experiment. Pastor Barry Darnell will be our professor. What an honor it is to have him with us.

***We will be finishing up our craft from last meeting, so if you weren't there, bring some pictures from home and you can start yours.

For a special surprise comment below with the most romantic thing you did for your husband your coordinators will pick the winner. Deadline is 11pm.

Tickle Our Taste Buds Winner: Joanna Tyler

Mexican Hashbrown Casserole

2 lbs. hashbrown potatoes

1 can rotel, drained (i used the mexican style with lime and cilantro)

1/2 onion, chopped

1/2 stick butter, melted

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 cup sour cream

2 cups shredded cheese

2-3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

seasoned salt

pepper

Mix together all ingredients and bake in greased casserole dish at 400 degrees for 45 minutes

Study Hall....

I am looking forward to our time together tomorrow. 

We will welcome  LCC's Women's Ministry Leader Tami Carr as our special guest speaker. 

And as part of our CREATIVE ACTIVITIES please bring a photo of your husband or children or family photo...YOU will use this as part of the 'craft' so it will NOT leave with it in its original form!!  :)  Just so you know, so you can choose wisely!!

Bring your Valentine supplies for our OUTREACH!!!

Enjoy the rest of your Monday!!!