Reflecting on 2010-2011

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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