Christmas is in 3 days!!!

I am so excited because Christmas is almost here!!! If you were at the MOPS Christmas Party you will know that this is one of my favorite times of the year; the day my Savior was born!!!

Often times though I know we can get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of everything and our focus of what Christmas is really all about can get lost. While I was on Facebook today one of my friends posted this song that is found on Youtube. WOW! I am going to give you the link and trust me it's worth taking the 4 minutes to listen to it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPViKJRHyZo

LOVE YOU!

Pizza n Project Night

Sorry that we don't have any pictures of our last outing. We had a camera but forgot to take pictures; we were just having so much fun to stop and think about pictures. There was a total of 7 of us there! I can't say that many projects were finished but that is because we decided that it would be much more fun to play Apples to Apples! We also had left over money from the pizza so we put that money ($12...every little bit counts) towards our scholarship fund for MOPS!

Thanks for the FUN evening ladies! Can't wait to see more of you tonight at the Cookie Decorating!

One Heartbeat at a Time

Hey Everyone,

Tonight we had our Christmas Party and I had a BLAST!!!

We shared a song tonight with you to encourage you that you being a mom does make a difference. Here are some links for you to click onto to hear the song again.

For Steven Curtis Chapman explaining the song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmZJt7JNlUE


To listen to the entire song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vo0Buzfd770

Love you girls!!!

Survey

Thank you Laci for this great survey idea. Everyone please post a comment and let us know your result to this question.

Where did all your Christmas cards get sent out to?

Items for Sale

We are selling the following items and wanted to offer it first to our MOPS moms ( feel free to pass on to whomever might be interested) before we Craigs List them..

1 Generation Next drop gate convertible crib. Converts to a toddler bed and you may also purchase a conversion kit later to convert it again to a full size bed.
Comes with a dual firmness crib mattress ( one side is firmer for the younger babies)
You can read about the crib features here: http://www.babysdream.com/Products/GenerationNext/Default.htm
wood color is similar to the Chestnut. We bought it brand new and used it for only one kid. ( there are some bite marks on the rail courtesy of Jonas)
Asking $200 OBO




Also selling

King size bed and nightstand set. from Ashley furniture.. good condition. Includes bed, mattress, box spring, and 2 nightstands ( with 3 drawers each). Cannot move out of our home until right after New Years (our replacement furniture will be delivered then) $200 OBO for the set.

Call me if you are interested.. can talk to me or Martin. (Please see MOPS directory for contact info)

Thanks!
Linda B.

Caramel Apple Bars

A couple of MOPS meetings ago Jessica H. made these bars and they were so YUMMY! Here's the recipe:

1/2 cup cold butter
1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker oatmeal cookie mix
1 egg
1 cup finely chopped peeled apple
3/4 cup caramel topping
1/4 cup Gold Medal all-purpose flour

1) Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray bottom of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray.

2) In large bowl, cut butter into cookie mix using fork or pastry blender. Stir in egg until mixture is crumbly.

3) Reserve 1 1/2 cups cookie mixture. Press remaining cookie mixture into bottom of pan. Bake 15 minutes. Sprinkle apple evenly over crust. In small bowl, mix caramel topping and flour; drizzle over apples. Sprinkle reserved cookie mixture over apples.

4) Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely, about 2 hours. For bars, cut into 9 rows by 4 rows.

ENJOY!!!

Book Sale

Great time to shop for Christmas presents! Upto 80% off the cover price of all books!!!

Madison Scholastic Book Fairs Warehouse
6115 Pepsi Way
Windsor, WI 53598

Friday December 4th through Tuesday December 15th
Monday - Friday from 11:00am to 7:00pm
Saturday from 8:00am to 4:00pm

Car seats

I have two car seats that are appropriate for children up to 40 pounds and good through Dec. 2010, which we are willing to give away. (We used them with Olivia and Veronica won't be in them long enough to keep.) They are Graco five-point booster seats -- the ones that you usually use between the infant carrier seat and a plain old booster seat. Anyone interested in one or both can contact me at 566-1150 or jasonandlisamaddux@yahoo.com.

Beth Moore Video

Hey everyone,

As I was checking out all my blogs that I follow up on I watched this video from Beth Moore...awesome! Just a little 9 minutes to help you feel encouraged.

http://vimeo.com/7442184

And if you were wondering your blog site is livingproofministries.blogspot.com

Love ya

Conference Opportunity

Thanks Kelly for providing us with this info!

A Perfect Mess: Why you don't have to worry about being good enough for God...
When: January 23rd, 2010
Where: Wautoma, WI
Who: Lisa Harper: speaker & Kim Hill: worship leader
Cost: $25 b/f Thanksgiving & $30 after Thanksgiving...includes lunch
Registration Deadline is January 16th
web info: www.rcwcpresents.com
For more information visit the website or contact Sarah or Tami Jo. If there is enough interest there could be a carpool organized!

Babysitting Trade

Hi Ladies. I am looking for someone who would like to trade an afternoon of babysitting. My hubby and I rarely get to do Christmas shopping together and this year I’d like to do it! Here’s what I propose. Trade a Saturday or Sunday afternoon of babysitting. One week we watch your kids for the afternoon, one week you watch ours. You could use the afternoon for shopping or a date! The weekends are becoming limited due to the holidays coming up, so email me so we can get it arranged! Thanks Kendra L.

Things in Need

I'm wondering if anyone has a bouncy seat appropriate for a newborn (1 month old) that I could borrow for awhile? Ours had a corroded battery and won't work. Thanks. Lisa M

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I am needing to borrow a battery operated breast pump from Fri-Sun. Does anyone have one of these? Mine needs an outlet and where I am going I am afraid there will not be one available. Thanks. Nikki B

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If you are able to help in either area please contact the person or myself.

Verse of the Day

As many of you know I have a daily calendar on my (and my sister's) work desk that is by Anita Renfroe. I am usually inspired by what she has to say because it's so real. Today wasn't any thought of hers but simply a verse that hit me right between the eyes. It comes from Galatians 6:4-5 and it says...

"Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct." (NLT)

I seriously almost fell off my chair. I struggle with this so much (especially at work). It hit me so hard that when I got home tonight I looked it up for myself and in other translations. Here are some of the other translations...

"Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load." (NIV)

"Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life." (Message)

"But let every person carefully scrutinize and examine and test his own conduct and his own work. He can then have the personal satisfaction and joy of doing something commendable [in itself alone] without [resorting to] boastful comparison with his neighbor. For every person will have to bear (be equal to understanding and calmly receive) his own [little] load [of oppressive faults]." (Amplified)

So no matter what version I looked up the message God was telling me was the same. STOP worrying about everyone else and what they are doing or how they are doing it. I only need to focus on my own work because that is all that I am responsible for.

I think this could go for not only me (and ALL my issues) but as moms. Many times we focus on how our husband is doing, how our sitter is doing (which to a point we need to consider this), how our children are doing, etc., etc. Let's all take a deep breathe and relax and focus on only what we are doing at hand.

Kids Day at Culver's

Recently...okay a while back ago...there was a Kid's Day at Culver's and MOPS had a table. At the table we had a sign up for the fundraiser, a door prize and information about our group. I took a couple of pictures so I thought I would share them with you.

(Sorry about the side-ways picture...I am not computer smart so I don't know how to rotate it. In that picture though is my very handsome hubby and handsome son!)

Mom in Need

Hi Ladies,

I was recently made aware of a fellow MOPS mom in need of our help. Due to medical reasons, she was unable to work and then couldn't pay the bills. She doesn't have family here so has been staying with friends because lost her apartment. She's trying to find work again and get back on her feet, hopefully within the next few months.

Columbia County has been helping her and her kids with food and supplies. MOPS would like to help out by taking donations of ANY amount for a gas card so she can indeed drive to a job once she finds one.
Please consider blessing her with anything you might wish to donate...even just a dollar or two. I know we all are feeling the financial crunch, so please don't feel like you are obligated....only if it's in your heart.

You may bring monetary donations (or a gas card) to the next MOPS meeting and we'll collect them. Please contact me, Lori, and I'd be happy to come pick it up too. Sara T. also offered to be a drop-off/pickup contact.

Thank you so much....she will be truly grateful for anything at all. Every little bit helps!

It's comforting to know that if any one us ever has an unexpected hardship occur in our life, that we are all there to help each other out. :)

Lori C
CARE TEAM LDR.

Survey

It is difficult for us to admit that we need it, but a once-a-week "unplugging" from the frenetic pace that is now our norm can be one of the most spiritually liberating experiences for us and for our family.

Taken from the daily calendar of Anita Renfore.

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Now isn't that so true! This weekend I am going to be attending the Women of Faith Conference in MN. I normally look forward to these events but in August I attended a Beth Moore Conference and in September I attended the MOPS Conference so to be honest I am just in the mood to just stay home. However; I know that it is extremely important for me as a woman of God, a wife and a mother to get away to get recharged. I am leaving tomorrow and even though I am not packed yet...I am still excited for what God has instore for me this weekend!

How about you...what have you done lately or about ready to do to get recharged?

Formula

This is an email from Ann:

Hey Ladies,
Quick question - has anyone used the Similac Neosure 22 calorie formula
before?

They are switching baby Jack to this formula at his 11:30 feeding
today; and it has lead me to some questions.....so I thought I would
toss this out on the blog to see if anyone else has used this and can
think of any reasons you are for or against this.  From doing a little
bit of online research, it does appear to be more expensive from a lot
of the formula available.....but...what can we do?!  Our lil' Jack
needs to eat!  hahaa'

Anywho - if you could PLEASE email me at WSunshinegirl@aol.com with any
thoughts on this, I would really appreciate it!

Discharge is tentatively set for 6:00 P.M. tonight "after" evening
rounds......so please say a prayer we go home today!!!

Happy Friday!
Thanks,
Ann B

Relationship with Self-Care

WOW...am I the only one, but wasn't today's speaker just awesome?!!! I know I was able to get a lot of reassurance in my thinking. It feels great to know that you are doing the right thing even if you are going against the advice of your medical doctor. I was also able to gather information that I was curious about...just plain great!!!

For those of you who were unable to make it (I know a lot of people were sick so thank you for not coming and spreading your germs) and for those of you who are night meeting moms - Lisa records all or our meetings so you can check out our video library and check out the meetings that you were unable to see and still benefit from the speaker.

Hope everyone is having a GREAT DAY!!!!

Clothing Swap

I need to cancel the clothing exchange/swap party that was scheduled for this Saturday, October 10th. If people are interested they should let me know and I will reschedule it. If I don’t hear from anyone I probably won’t reschedule.

Kendra

New Baby!!!

Veronica Pearl

entered this world 2:32 pm

Yesterday Saturday, October 03, 2009

She weighs 8 lb. 8 oz

And measures 21.5 in.

Lisa, Jason and Olivia are all doing great!!

Cloth Diapers

Does anyone has cloth diapers or diaper covers that they would like to sell. My frends daughter was just diagnosed with hip dysplacia, and the doctor reccomended that she switch to cloth diapers. So if anyone has some that they would like to sell please email me, so I can get them to her. Thanks for the help.

krisforme2002@yahoo.com

Kristi

Convention!!!

Wow!!! That is about all I can say about our experience at the MOPS Convention! What an awesome opportunity that God offered us! We had such a wonderful time and were able to learn so much about ourselves as women of Christ, as mothers, friends & leaders. I personally cannot wait to extend thoughts and ideas that I have gathered!

Tami & I have purchased the CD's of the convention to have in our resource library so anyone can check them out and learn what we did!

We have included a few pictures of our fun times! We had such a fun time hanging out and getting to know each other better! We had dinner and listened to a live band in Downtown Nashville, we visted Cooter's Place and just were silly!!!

We had the opportunity to meet our favorite artists and authors, worshiped with Natalie Grant, Matthew West, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels & Plumb!!! We laughed A LOT with Ken Davis. I hope that you each have an opportunity to experience something like this in the future!!

Fundraiser Update

Hey ladies,

Just want to remind you that we only have one more week left to sell as many coupons as we can! You still have a chance to get FREE pictures!! Remember, if you sell 10 or more coupons you will get the Memories Package which is $99.99 value for FREE or if you sell 20 or more will get the Treasures Package which is a $149.99 value for FREE!

Could everyone please email me how many they have sold as of now! I already know the count for those who already turned in their money and stuff.

We need to sell at least 75 coupons or the company WILL NOT come on Friday night. I know there are lots of people that have requested Friday picture times so it is crucial that we sell for sure that amount!

Any questions please contact me!!

Thought of the day...

"You can tell a lot about a woman by the purse she carries. You are what you carry."

Taken from the daily calendar of Anita Renfroe

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When I first read this I was super excited! Only because I am that kind of girl that will notice the type of purse that you have. I absolutely love when ladies, woman and girls look adorable! I love accessories - well before I had my son, I can't really do a lot of jewelry now because he tends to yank and pull on them.

But then I really started to think about the quote; "You are what you carry". YIKES!!! I got to thinking about this baggage/"purse" that I carry around. What can people tell about me just by looking at my baggage? That is a scary thought for me.

So who's with me? Let's ditch the "purses" (baggage) and be FREE!!!

Fundraiser

Hey Everyone,

This is a friendly reminder to keep selling those tickets/coupons!!! The coupons are only $5 and they get a color 10x13 portrait of their family!!! Our goal is to sell 100 coupons so that we do not have to do a spring fundraiser!!! So far we are up to 44 tickets! I just know we can reach our goal.

Love ya
Tami Jo

Game Night!!!

We had a great night playing games and enjoying each other's company! Because of our exciting game of Cranium, we now know the definitions of some creative words!!! Thanks to the ladies that brought toothsome snacks :)

Pink Day

Dear Friends and family,

October 06th has been designated as “Pink Day” at Pardeeville Area Schools in recognition of breast cancer awareness. All staff members and students at the schools are being encouraged to wear pink to show their support. The Village of Pardeeville Village Board has also shown support, too. Local businesses are being encouraged to "paint the town pink,"

The HS School Student Council will be selling “Breast Cancer Awareness” t-shirts. The shirts will have a Bulldog on the front, with a cancer ribbon in his mouth, and they will say “Pardeeville Bulldogs Take a Bite out of Breast Cancer”. The color of the shirts will be black. The cost of each t-shirt is $15.00, regardless of the size.

I am working with Mr. Lynch and the HS Student Council selling the t-shirts. If you or any of your co-workers would like to purchase a t-shirt please contact me direct.

The shirts will be done by October 1st and proceeds from the sale of the t-shirts will be a donated to a cancer organization that the Student Council will pick.

If anyone is interested in ordering a shirt for themselves or their family members, please email me their name, phone number, and the size of the shirt(s) by Friday September 18th. We don’t want anyone to feel left out if they want a shirt to wear on October 6th.

My email address is babcockmc@verizon.net

Thank you for your support in making our first “PINK DAY” a HUGE success!

Carol Babcock, Pink Ribbon Angels volunteer

608.697.9088

Upcoming Events

Mom/Kids Day out: Thursday September 17th - 10:00 am at MacKenzie Center in Poynette

Mom/Kids Playdate: Friday September 18th - 10:00 am at Collipp Worden Park in Portage

Mom's Night Out: Friday September 18th - 6:00am Games & Munchies at Sarah K.'s

Survey of the day

Like art, like music, like so many other disciplines, prayer can only be appreciated when you actually spend time in it. Spending time with the Master will elevate your thinking. The more you pray, the more will be revealed. You will appreciate not only the greatness of prayer, but the greatness of God.

So walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. ~ Colossians 2:6-7 (NASB)

Taken from "Hand in Hand - prayers and blessings for families" daily calendar.

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I thought it was so fitting that I read this today while sitting at my mom's computer (I still don't have internet at my new home...ooops). Just this morning I was reflecting, while making my bed, just how much my prayer life has changed since becoming a mom. When I was in High School my prayer time was when I would go to bed. I would lay in bed and pray; God and I had a lot of good times! Then I went to college and the school that I went to blocked out time for us to have our quiet time. Every morning I would be in the church praying and getting in His word. Then I became a mom! I no longer could have my quiet time when I laid down because I am so exhausted that as soon as my head hits that pillow...I am OUT! I no longer can have that "set in stone" time where it's blocked out for me to get into His word because there is a little one hanging at my knees. Now I find that my quiet times and prayers are when I am doing the dishes, folding the clothes, making my bed, preparing dinner, etc. I actually like this way the best! I find that in my past years it was a certain time that I would have conversations with my Maker but now it's ALL THE TIME! The moments may not be as long but they definitely are more frequent throughout the day.

How has your quiet time changed since becoming a mom?

Fundraiser

We have begun the kick-off for our new and exciting fundraiser for this year!!! If you have not yet heard anything about the fundraiser, please contact Shelly for further information.

Also, for everyone who sells 10 coupons/tickets by Thursday September 24th will receive a FREE package!!!

FREE Money for MOPS

Hey Everyone,

I just found this out from our one and only Shelly!!!! I hope I explain this as clear as mud but if I don't please ask Shelly or I for further explanation.

At Pierces Grocery store you get a Pierce's card to get their specials. If you already have a card...GREAT! Just go to the customer service desk and ask to add MOPS as one of your organization. Then part of what you spend is donated to MOPS!!!! If you do not have a Pierce's card and shop there just sign up to get one and then add MOPS as your organization.

This is really exciting to me because it's a super easy way for us to raise money for MOPS!!!!

Love ya
Tami Jo

Playdate!

There is an informal playdate scheduled for tomorrow (Friday the 11th). We are going to be meeting at Collip Warden park at 10:00 am for anyone who would like to come out and enjoy the weather!

MOPPETS Rotation

Good Afternoon!

I am pleased to announce that we will be having an addition room/rotation set up this year for your kids. We will be incorporating a Games and Freeplay room. It is my intent to have the children play outside during the warmer months (Sept; Oct; Nov (maybe); April; May). If you absolutely would not like your child to be outside during this time - please email me and we can arrange for some quiet indoor activities instead.

Thanks!!

Faith, Hope and Love

Christy

Snacks for MOPPETS

Good Morning Ladies!

We sure had a great time last night didn't we? It was exciting to see all the new and old faces!

With our first meeting behind us - and more registration forms turned in - I am still in need of your help.

As of right now we have ONE person signed up to bring in snacks for the MOPPETS. This mom has shared with me that she would not like to have to bring a snack for the entire year - and she shouldnt have to.

If THREE more of you could sign up - or email me - with an interest in helping out, then each lady would only be responsible for 2 snacks this year. And I've made it even easier this year as well - I have chosen easy and quick snacks that will coincide w the lesson for the mth. I would also like to add that if you are hesitant to bring a snack due to financial constraints, MOPPETS can reimburse you.

Please pray about helping MOPPETS. It is only through the help of each of us that make MOPPETS (and other areas in MOPS) possible. And remember many hands make little work!

Lets make this a great year and not leave the burden on only a few moms.

Thank you and please email me if you are interested in helping out with snack this year.

Faith Hope and Love

Christy

Mom in Need Praise!

Hey Everyone,

Recently we just had a MOPS mom that was in need. Many of you generously helped out; THANK YOU so much. I just got an email for her and this is what she said:

"I just wanted to send a big thank you to everyone for there generosity and prayers during this time of transition for myself and my boys. It has all been greatly felt and makes this time so much easier knowing you gals are there ready to help and in keeping my family in your thoughts and prayers."

Thanks again for supporting, loving and caring for your fellow MOPS mom/friends.

MOPS Meeting 8/27/09

We are looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow night! If you have not registered we will have forms available to do so!

Fellowship & Dinner start at 6:00, meeting starts promptly at 6:30!

Our topic is Relationship with Friends! We have lots of fun stuff planned so come and enjoy a night out!

1001 Things It Means To Be A Mom

* (Being a Mom) Being a mom means discussing with your husband how you want to raise your kids. Before you even have them.

* (Pregnant Moms) Being a mom means tearing up while cooking oatmeal. (Hormones are in play.)

*(Baby Moms) Being a mom means feeling terrified when you bring your baby home.

*(Toddler Moms) Being a mom means crawling around on your hands and knees to get your toddler's perspective of what she can grab off tables and stick in her mouth.

*(Moms of School Kids) Being a mom means memorizing the school locker combination because somebody in the family needs to know it.

*(Mom of Teens) Being a mom means being told, "I'm too old for this!" And knowing they're still too young.

*(Working Moms) Being a mom means deciding between career and family. And forever worrying if you chose right.

*(Single Moms) Being a single mom means deciding you don't have the time to make a new relationship work.

*(Moms and Money) Being a mom means having your kids beg you for money.

*(Moms and Difficult Issues) Being a mom means feeling lost when your child's behavioral problems are linked to a mental problem.

Homeschoolers

This is an email I received from a former MOPS mom. If you want additional information please contact myself or Faith. I have two other emails with more details.

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Hello!!

Our family has been a part of a home school group for the past 5 years. (The group itself has been in existance for 10 years) This group has met weekly and been a beautiful piece of the puzzle of our success at home schooling. I'm excited to share with you that we are moving to a new facility this year and have the opportunity to open our doors to new families!! This email will be the first of "3" that you will recieve - the next two will be information regarding start dates, fees, etc. PLEASE don't hesitate to email me with any questions or interest that you may have. I am very excited at this chance for others to experience the blessing that we have received through this group!

Some basic info:

Group name is LAHSO (Lodi Area Home School Organization)

We meet in Lodi at the Rec Center (This is a brand new facility!)

We meet on Mondays during the school year from 9am - 12pm

Ages Pre-K through 12th are welcome

Classes are split into three levels: PreK - 2nd / 3rd-6th / 7th-12th

Each level has 3 classes: Music, Phy-Ed, and a third period class that has variety (some will include: art, science, geography, cooking, speech, among other subjects)

We have 2 special programs each year - one Christmas program and one spring program

We have 2 presentation nights each year - one fall and one spring. This is an opportunity for our students to share a skill, demonstration, speech, report, song, etc etc

We have field trips organized throughout the year

I look forward to hopefully hearing from you!! PLEASE pass this email onto any other home schooling families that you know of that may be interested!

Thanks & God Bless ~

Faith

Anyone need to laugh?

If you want to feel good about your whole day, go into your closet, find your swimsuit and put it on. Walk out to your bathroom and look in the mirror. Nothing worse is going to happen to you all day.

Taken from "If You Can't Lose It, Decorate It" daily calendar by Anita Renfroe

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This one really struck me funny because it is exactly how I have been feeling lately. I have just been complaining (especially in the last week) to my husband for how disgusting I look. Even though my husband tells me that I am beautiful...deep down I am not real sure if I believe him. My thoughts to his statements are; "You have to say that your my husband", or "He's just saying that to get 'lucky' tonight", etc. I would love to think that I am the only one that struggles with this but for some reason I don't think I am.

Ladies...we have to always be reminding ourselves that we ARE BEAUTIFUL! God created us in His own image...He made each one of us perfect! We are His princesses and daughters! So today...look in the mirror and smile because you are looking at a DROP DEAD GORGEOUS woman of God!

My Princess...

You Don't Have To Fit In.

I know you want to e accepted by others, but you were not made to fit in. You, My princess, were created to stand out. Not to draw attention to yourself, but to live the kind of life that leads others to Me. Remember, it's your choices that will pave yoru path to life. I will not force you to do anything. I have given you a free will to walk with Me or to walk away from Me. I want you to know that you can put on your crown at any time and let people know that you belong to Me. You have royal call on your life. I want you to remember you wear the crown of everlasting life, and through you I will do abundantly more than you would ever dare to dream.
Love,
Your King and Crown Giver

"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." ~ Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

Taken from: "His Princess-Love letters from your King" by Sheri Rose Shepherd

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Am I the only one who needed to hear that? I know I struggle with the thoughts of "Is she judging me?", "I wish I could be talented like her", "How come she gets to have perfect skin". This has been a battle I have always struggled with. However, my God is Faithful and He daily reminds me that He created me perfectly! I am who I am for a reason...Thank You Crown Giver!!!

Verse of the day...

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. ~ Romans 13:8 (NIV)

Mom needing...

There is one email from both Ann B. and Gina T.

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***Does anyone have a baby bassinett they would be willing to loan us for a few months??!!***
With Noah, a neighbor of ours had loaned us one....but they moved away to Georgia! haha'

I would prefer to have something that does not sit too low to the ground, as we have a 10 pound dog that likes to lick & cuddle. My goal is to start using the baby CRIB much sooner then I did with Noah....but I don't want to have baby Jack home and nothing to put him in! haha'

If so - please email or call me!

Thanks much,
Ann B


***Hello everyone!

I am looking for someone to watch my sweet baby boy on Monday (August 3rd). Lauren is going to spend some time at her grandparent's house next week, and I am meeting them in Illinois to drop her off.

I would probably be gone a good portion of the day - from about 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. I would absolutely be willing to pay someone...

Please let me know if you can help!

Thanks ;)
Gina

Survey

Even if you find your "soul mate", you will find that his "soul" will gladly let you fall into the toilet at 2 a.m. if you don't teach him proper seat etiquette. I am fairly sure I never heard that in any of the fairy tales I was told.

Taken from "If You Can't Lose It Decorate It" by Anita Renfroe daily calendar

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I am still laughing at this; not just because it's funny but because it's so TRUE! Now be honest ladies...how many has this happened to? It has happened to me (however not because of my husband yet but growing up due to my brothers).

Moppets

Hello Ladies!

Only about 7 more weeks till our 1st day meeting kicks off! Where did the summer go?

I am sending out a 2 for the price of 1 email. In preparing for our upcoming year - I need your help in the following areas:

1) VOLUNTEERS ... VOLUNTEERS.... AND MORE VOLUNTEERS!
** I have started my preliminary calling of last years volunteers. So far I have 4 that will for sure return. 3 have already said no thank you - and the rest I will be doing a follow up phone call this week. In order to have a successful MOPPETS year - I would like a roster of about 15 volunteers. We need about 9 each meeting - the rest would be back ups. If you know of anyone - your moms, aunts, gramas, church members, the neighbor lady - that would like to donate 2 hrs of their time ONCE a MONTH - please give me their phone number.

2) TOY DRIVE
** I am still collecting and looking for gently used toys to replace the (gross) toys from previous years. Items to consider: Puzzles // Boy toys (We have plenty of cars) // Barbies w a few clothes // and anything that a 2 year old might like (I cant seem to remember what Elena played with - and that was only a year ago!!)

I know that for many of you - MOPS is still a long ways off, but your help in making this a great MOPPETS year is greatly appreciated!
Please EMAIL me - as I dont always have an opportunity to check the blog out.

Thanks- enjoy the rest of your summer!

Faith, Hope and Love

Christy
jncpacheco@verizon.net

Verse of the Day

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb...You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. ~ Psalm 139:13,15-16 (NLT)

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WOW! This just gives me goosebumps. Isn't God just plain AWESOME! To think that even though He controls the entire universe He cares about me so much that He knows EVERYTHING about me! Absolutely Incredible!!!!

Early Registration

Only TWO more days left until early registration is up. Please turn in your completed Registration Forms along with your payment by this Thursday! After Thursday the price goes up. Don't miss it!

Prayer Request

This is an email from Lisa F.

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A friend of mine just found out that their 13 yr old son, John, has a brain tumor located on the brain stem. He just had surgery to remove part of it and the family was told it is very rare for a child to develop this type of cancer. They also believe it is a secondary form of cancer and are doing tests to locate the primary souce within his body. Please say a prayer for the entire Link family.
Thanks

Lisa F

Needing to borrow...

This is an email from Lisa Maddux.

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Does anyone have a pick-up truck they would be willing to lend me (mostly my husband) for a day or part of a day? We have some various wood and stuff in our garage that we want to clear out and take to the dump, and we don't really have the right vehicle to do that. Let me know at jasonandlisamaddux@yahoo.com if this is something you'd be willing to help with. We have no particular time in mind.
Thanks.
Lisa

Indian Agency House

Hands-On History Day on July 18. It's the same weekend as the Portage Downtown Arts Walk, so tell all your friends and come on out for an art-filled day!

The Historic Indian Agency House, outside of Portage, returns with another Hands-On History event on Saturday, July 18. In keeping with the museum’s 2009 focus on ceramics, this fun and educational program will concentrate on Early American and Native American pottery traditions. Participants will tour the Agency House to learn all about pottery on the Wisconsin frontier – where it came from, how it was made, and what it was used for – and then make their own clay pot using traditional Native American techniques. There are two sessions available, both with the same activities: 10 am to 12 pm, and 12 pm to 2 pm. Space is limited to 15 participants per session; registration is encouraged but not required. This event is recommended for children ages 6-15, but all are welcome. The cost of the event is $3 each, which includes the tour and all craft materials. We hope to see you there!

Please call 608-742-6362 with any question.
Anna Rusk
Historic Indian Agency House intern

1001 Things It Means To Be A Mom

* (Being a Mom) Being a mom means being a role model.

* (Pregnant Moms) Being a mom means having an earthquake jolt your life.

* (Baby Moms) Being a mom means realizing the relationship between you and your husband has just changed.

* (Toddler Moms) Being a mom means questioning your existence, especially during those times when it's a hot summer day and your kids are screaming uncontrollable bloody chaos in their car seats, and the air conditioner is broken.

* (Moms of School Kids) Being a mom means worrying everyone in school is bigger than your child.

* (Moms of Teens) Being a mom means hearing other adults comment about how your teen is a great conversationalist.

* (Moms of Adult Kids) Being a mom means realizing your daughter's purse is more expensive than yours. And she's still in college.

* (Working Moms) Being a mom means learning what the Mommy Track means.

* (Single Moms) Being a single mom means wrestling with how to put your children first when you're in a new relationship.

* (Moms and Money) Being a mom means doing the math before returning to work. After child-care costs, commuting, taxes, and other expenses are tallied, you might not be earning as much as you think.

* (Moms and Difficult Issues) Being a mom means having your heart break when you realize your child is physically or mentally different from other kids. Yet, curiously, that difference makes you love them even more.

Taken from "1001 Things It Means to Be a Mom" by Harry H Harrison Jr.

Toys for Sale/Free

This is an email from Kendra L. Sounds like some great deals!

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I have a train table for sale for $10. It is 3 feet by 4 feet and has two tilt out drawers to store the trains. It has a reversible top in that it can be a plain faux wood, or you can turn it over and it is decorated like a road I think. I tried to sell on Craig’s list but no one was serious about it. The table comes apart easily with an Allen wrench or can be moved as is. I need it out!

For free/giveaway: I have a set of 4 Mr. Potato Heads with all the parts. 2 of them are Stars Wars theme, the other two are regular. My kids just don’t use them anymore.
For Free: 1 small set of Lincoln Logs. This would be perfect for someone that has more of them. It is a small set, and was all we had so it wasn’t ever enough to do much with.

If anyone needs pictures or wants to check anything out…Please let me know.

Hugs, Kendra
745-1655
klacrosse@verizon.net

My Princess...

You are my precious daughter!

You are a daughter of the King, and not just any king. You are My daughter, and I am the God of all heaven and earth. I'm delighted with you! You are the apple of My eye. You're Daddy's girl. Your earthly father may love and adore you, but his love is not perfect, no matter how great -or small- it is. Only My love is perfect...because I am Love. I formed your body. I fashioned your mind and soul. I know your personality, and I understand your needs and desires. I see your heartaches and disappointments, and I love you passinately and patiently. My child, I bought you with a price so that we could have an intimate relationship together for all eternity. Soon we will see each other face-to-face -Father and daughter- and you will experience the wonderful place I have prepared for you in paradise. Until then, fix your eyes on heaven, and walk closely with Me. You will know that -although I am God- My arms are not too big to hold you, My beloved daughter.

Love,
Your King and your Daddy in heaven

"And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." - 2 Corinthians 6:18

Taken from: "His Princess-Love letters from your King" by Sheri Rose Shepherd

Aubrey Update

I know God has heard the prayers that everyone has spoken for Aubrey. I just found out that she now has a website to keep you updated on her current status. The website is: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/abonnichsen I know Aubrey, her family and friends are and will be forever grateful for your prayers.

Needed

This is an email I received from a fellow mom; I hope someone can help her out!

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Hello,
We are looking for a very gently used double stroller for under $100. We don't have a lot of money to spend, but we have two children under the age of three and we have gone without one for too long:) Please feel free to call 608-566-1087 or email nhoward85@yahoo.com if you have one you would like to sell. Pictures would be very helpful. Thank you for you help!!
Nicole Howard

Summer Party

This email is from Andrea Muente...

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Hey everyone...hope everyone is having a great summer! I would like to have a MOPS gathering at my house on Saturday July 25th from 11am-1pm. We are having a bounce house with slide, big sand box and play stuff and a pond if anyone wants to try fishing. I was thinking about doing a pot luck, if everyone can bring a dish to pass that would be great. I plan on having a large sub there and some drinks. Ann is taking care of the plates, silverware and cups. The party will continue past 1pm with our friends and family and everyone invited to stay longer if you want. Please let me know if you are able to make it by July 20th. Please call me at 608-393-3178 or you can email me. Hope to see everyone soon! Andrea Muente

5-Day Clubs

This is an email from Kerri F.

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5-Day Clubs are like summer Vacation Bible School but held all throughout the summer at various locations. Kids ages 4-12 are invited to any 5-Day Club in your area. You can come to just one day or all five days (all five days yields the best results). Kids learn about Jesus, have fun puppets, stories, and games. There is a prize at the end of the week. Jesus said: "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them."

A.M.s THIS WEEK - June 29 - July 3 - Monday thru Friday 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. at Oshner Park in Baraboo.

P.M.s THIS WEEK - In Portage: June 29 - July 3, 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. located at Cindy Peterson's house on Fox River Rd. (off of Hwy F). (608)742-8462.

I will try to keep you posted as to when and where there will be other clubs throughout the summer.

If you're interested in hosting a 5-Day Club at your home, or at an area park, contact Johanna Wynn at (608) 697-9761

Prayer Request Updates

Can you send this out to Mops please? People can leave comments on the funeral home website if they want. The family has been reading them each morning.

http://www.funeralplan2.com/ritchiefuneralhome/mem?action=memorials&id=172554

Thank you to everyone for their prayers and kind words.
Lisa

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Here's what I know as of now. We are actually here in SD with the family....

Friday Aubrey had a biopsy of the tumor. She will be in ICU for 5 days. They inserted a shunt to the brain to drain off fluid. The tumor is inoperable. They can do chemo and radiation for 6 weeks daily. However, the dr's feel this will only buy them around 9 mo. The tumor is VERY fast growing and has grown considerably just since they went to Denver less than 1 week ago. It is in the back part of the head, but with several "fingers" reaching out. They are choosing right now to do the treatments as Brenda and Tim don't ever want to tell her down the road or think "they could've done more". Aubrey needs a complete healing.

I will update more as Billye lets me know what's going on. Thank you for your prayers on behalf of the Bonnichsen family.

Tanya Schoessow

Childcare Needed

This email is from Kendra L.

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Hello Ladies! I hope everyone is having a splendid summer so far.

I know it’s a ways off, but I want to put the word out about my upcoming childcare needs.

Starting the week of September 1st, I will need childcare for my 4 year old Nathan. He will be in the 4 year old Preschool program in the mornings, and I need someone to watch him in the afternoon. The hours would be 11:15 to 3 pm on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday’s only. I do all of the drop off and pick up from school so that part won’t be a concern. Pay is negotiable as I have no idea how much is usually charged for only one!

The twins will be in school all day, so this is a shock to my system to only worry about arrangements for one child!

If you are interested, or know someone that might be interested please call or email me when you can. Like I said, I know it’s early, but I’m a planner and I’d like to get thinking about it.

Thanks so much!

Kendra
745-1655
klacrosse@verizon.net

For Sale

This is an email from Janette K. I hope someone finds a good deal!

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Hi Everyone!

I hope your summer is going well. Tracy and I have been cleaning out the house as it seems to be consumed with toys our children have outgrown. I have some bigger items for sale (we're not doing a formal garage sale this year) and I thought I'd just let you know in case anyone was interested:) All items are very gently used. If you want to see pictures of a particular item, just let me know and I can email it.

Fisher Price Little People Castle with accessories $15 OBO
Fisher Price Little People House with furniture/mom/dad & baby $15 OBO
Fisher Price Little People Ramps Around Garage with cars/mechanics $15 OBO
Fisher Price Little People Noah's Ark set with extra animal sets $15 OBO

Little Tikes Play Kitchen with 2 chairs/loads of play dishes and food to go with it $20 OBO
Little Tikes Play Workshop with 2 hard hats and some tools $15 OBO
Little Tikes Doll Cradle $10 OBO

Bob the Builder Workshop with magnetic blocks $10 OBO

LeapFrog Desk with Chair and a My First LeapPad with 1 book/Alphabet stencils (desk has been crayoned on) $10 OBO

If you are interested in any of the items, you can contact me via email kopfhamers4@verizon.net or give me a call 745-0492. Thanks!
Janette

MacKenzie Center

Join Us for

Outdoor Skills Day & a Prairie Interpretive Walk

MacKenzie Environmental Education Center

Saturday, July 11th, 2009
9 am – 2 pm (near our lodge)

FREE ** Fun for all ages!
Rotate thru a variety of hands on skills like:
fire building, outdoor cooking,
fishing, archery, shooting sports and more
or take a walk of the prairies at 10am and
tours of the State Game Farm too!

A concession stand will be available during event time. This event is hosted by the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Friends of MacKenzie Center. The MacKenzie Environmental Education Center is located 2 miles east of Poynette on County Road CS & Q.

Please phone 608-635-8105 for more information.

Prayer Request

~Please keep Lisa Francis and family in your prayers. Tim's mom has been battling cancer for some time now and is now in peace. They left for Iowa today to be with his family and help make preparations. They may not be back until Tuesday or Wednesday.

~A friend of mines daughter Marissa Jordan (10yrs old in august) has batttled lukemia and won, just celebrated her 1 yr anniversary, BUT... today she was med-flighted to the UW childrens hospital w/ a brain anurism and lung/heart failure!!!! she was put into a drug indused coma, and will stay in that state for 2 weeks, she survived surgery, and they removed the blood clot and anurism, PLEASE BE IN CONSTANT PRAYER FOR HER AND HER FAMILY!!!!! i will email updates Thanks Jenn Selbach and Jordan Family

MOPS Reunion

Hey Everyone,

I am so sorry for that late update regarding the final details on tomorrow's MOPS event. Here the are the details and I hope to see lots of you there!

Tomorrow Saturday June 27th at 10:30am

We will be gathering at the North Shore of Devil's Lake. We do not have a shelter reserved for our group so please bring your own blankets and chairs.

This is an event for all current and past MOPS families.

This will be a fun and relaxed time to hang out and get some laughs in!

So pack your lunch and wear your comfy clothes!

You can also bring your registrations forms with you. The current registration cost for next year is $35 but don't delay because it will go up to $40 coming in July. Any further questions regarding registration contact Shelly Jenkins.

Can't wait to see everyone!

Verse of the Day

Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights.

Proverbs 18:15 (The Message)

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What is something that you have learned today or insight that you have gained?

Cool Books!

A MOPS mom sent me this email regarding some pretty cool gift ideas for you child or another child. Go to www.ladybugtreehouse.com Here is what the rest of the email said regarding this new company. "Make your child a star today!! Each book is personalized to include a child's name, age, hometown, and friends. The books are a great gift idea! Each storybook is a hard-cover, bound book. We also do school and charity fundraising! Check out our site for more details. We hope you enjoy our site. We will be adding more merchandise soon, so keep checking back. Please feel free to forward this email on to others!"

Update on Aubrey

For those of you who have been praying for Aubrey I just received an update on her.

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Good Morning Everyone!

We finished with our appointment yesterday with the Neurologist. We will be leaving for Denver Childrens Hospital this morning sometime. Aubrey has an appointment with an incredible Neurologist in Aurora , CO tomorrow (Weds) at noon.

It has been amazing to see God's handiwork in all of this! The Neurologist here gave us the choice of going to Denver Childrens, Mayo Clinic, or University of MN Research Hospital . He discussed the importance of Aubrey being at a specialty hospital, and these were the three he recommended. We talked about it with Aubrey, and she helped to make the decision. For us, the Childrens Hospital was the perfect fit.. As many of you know, we have family in Colorado , so we would have an incredible support system there. Unfortunately, the doctor we saw in Rapid would not be able to do the surgery if we chose Denver , so he had to refer us to a neurosurgeon in Denver . Our prayers were answered when we received the phonecall that it would be Dr. Ken Winston. I googled his name and discovered that he is the Professor of Neurology at the University of Colorado ! As I did more research I find that the hospital is top notch, has a Blue Distinction Award (for those who are familiar with BCBS insurance standards!) which means it is a quality facility that has to mean high criteria in all phases of care! SO...God has made the way for the best doctor and the best hospital so she'll have the best care!

The brain tumor Aubrey has, he called a Glioma. It is in the middle of her brain at the brain stem. He said it is quite large and has been growing for sometime. We'd noticed the biggest difference in Aubrey from about the middle of the school year and as the school year went on, there were changes that were more and more evident. (Her grades were dropping, it was very difficult to get her to complete writing assignments or any big projects, not wanting to do PE because she claimed to get headaches and stomach aches and she seemed to be fatigued all the time. We noticed she was talking loudly when carrying on a normal conversation, and had her tested and found that she had some hearing loss in her left ear. Now looking back it all begins to make sense.) The Neurologist here said that it is very likely that she'll need to do some radiation therapy or chemo. We are praying that will not be the case!!! We are believing that Aubrey will get to tell her grandchildren the story of how God brought her through this situation and the way He prepared the way for her to have the best! By the way, Aubrey is doing GREAT!!!! She is very resiliant and refuses to focus on anything negative!! She is a fighter in her own unique way! We have been so proud of her...what a trooper!!!

Through the suggestion of many, we will be starting a Caring Bridge webpage so you can log on and read about what is going on with her. Between Tim and I, will we keep the website updated as often as possible. If you register on the site, everytime we do an update, you will receive an email. More about that when it comes! Thank you again for all of your love, support and prayers! It has been so incredibly awesome what so many of you have done so far! I couldn't find the time to get online last night, because so many were dropping by to express their love and concern. Our family so appreciates and loves you all. (Although I have a 5 yr old who is NOT grasping why everyone is giving things to Aubrey and she isn't getting anything!!!) Please keep little Chloe in your prayers too...this has already been kinda hard for her to grasp, and at times will start crying and not know why. But together, as a family, we'll conquer this and come out on the other side victorious!!

Blessings!Brenda Bonnichsen

Moppets

Hey Ladies ... before you have your next garage sale, please check over your toy supply. I am looking to replace the toy bins for this coming year with more age appropriate, gently-used toys. I will be replacing toys for ages 2-5. If you have any toys that you would like to donate, please email me and I will make arrangements to pick them up.

Some ideas for toys are: toy cars - or other boy toys (we dont really have alot of those); bald babies, maybe some barbies for the older girls, ABC/123 toys, and anything else you can think of.

Thanks for your time - and your donations in advance!

Faith, Hope and Love

Christy

Marriage

In the marriage arena, the [couple] invariably mix [personalities] up according to the cliche, "opposites attract." Then, once the marriage is underway, opposites attack. The tendencies that seemed so charming about the person because they are different and create a balance in our universe become the very traits that cause us to bang our heads against hard objects.

Taken from: "If you Can't Lose it Decorate It!" daily calendar by Anita Renfore

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When I read this I about fell off my chair because I was laughing so hard. I wasn't laughing because it is just funny...I was laughing because it is so TRUE! (Well at least for me.) I literally was just carrying on a converation with myself a couple days prior to reading this and was thinking the same concept. In my mind, I was complaining about the little things my hubby does that annoy me. But then it hit me...those very things is what made me fall in love with him. So I had to ask myself, "if he has not changed then why I am complaining?" The obvious answer that I concluded was that it was me. So now when he does those little "annoying" things...I just remind myself to laugh!

Summer Projects

I was given this information from another MOPS mom.
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The Paint It Pottery Shop in Wisconsin Dells is offering classes for kids ages 5-12.

June 25th: Handprint Plates ($18 from 10am - noon)
July 9th: Clay Building ($18 from 10am - noon)
July-August: Various Art Camps including Story Hour with Project, Tie Dye adn Fused Glass Tiles ($15-$30 per Art Camp session)

Spaces are limited so contact them immediately if you are interested. The phone number is 608-254-5456 and the website is www.paintitpotteryshop.com

Events

Good Morning Ladies!

We are having a couple of events come up rather quickly here.

The first is going to be on Thursday June 18th at the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison. This is a Mom & Kids day out! We are planning meeting at the zoo at 10:30am and then having a picnic lunch together. If you are interested in going please leave a comment so that further arrangements can be made regarding carpooling and meeting at the zoo.

The second event is on Saturday June 27th at Devil’s Lake Park in Baraboo at 10:30 am. This is a family event and is going to be our MOPS reunion. Come and meet MOPS mom from years past to either reconnect or create new friends! Bring a snack lunch and lots of smiling faces! There was an Evite sent out regarding this. Please respond to the Evite so that we can make further arrangements; if you did not receive the Evite contact Shelly.

MOPS registration will be available at the MOPS reunion event. Make sure to get your registration in early before the price goes up.

If you any further questions regarding either of these events please contact Ann.

Believing is seeing...

"Seeing is not believing, it is only seeing. The real triumph of this life is to understand that 'believing is seeing'."--George MacDonald

Trust Him more today than you did yesterday. If you can't understand, just keep following. Though it may be dark right now, you will see that eventually He has led you out of the mountain.

Taken from Fresh Grounded Faith, Jennifer Rothschild

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My daily struggle is believing without seeing, however when I look around I am constantly reminded of how great God is! I pray for everyone to be able to trust God today, trust that He is with you and will lead you out of the darkness!

Have a great sunny Friday!!! Sarah


Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18 NIV

Help Needed

Hello Ladies!!! This is an email that I received from Laci; I just wanted to make everyone aware of what's going on and the help that is much appreciated!

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Hello MOPS Friends- As many of you know, I have been on a trip to WA state to get our storage unit unpacked. We will be leaving WA for the 25 hour trip tomorrow afternoon. I will be returning home to Portage about Noon on Sunday June 14th. I would really appreciate any help you or your husbands/families could give to unload our U-Haul. I will provide pizza and beverages to any sort of work party we can get. I would like everyone to show up at our house (202 E. Franklin Portage - the corner of Franklin and Adams) at 1:00 PM. If you can offer any bit of help please e-mail me at bandljamison@hotmail.com or call me at 509-981-0458, that way I can make sure I have enough food. Thanks very much for all the help I can get.Fondly,Laci Jamison

Survey

"It's a God thing."...As if anything isn't. Sunrises are God things, air is a God thing, coffee is a God thing. Chocolate, music, hot baths, great friends, autumn evenings, Dippin' Dots ice cream, cloud formations-I believe that they are all pretty much "God things."

Taken from: "If you Can't Lose it Decorate It!" daily calendar by Anita Renfore

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The survey is to tell us what your "God thing" is. Just post a comment and let us all know!

I'll go first - Everything stated above plus hearing my son laugh, hanging out with my mom, thunderstorms and sleeping in! (Just to list a few; the list is obviously longer)

1001 Things It Means To Be A Mom

* (Being a Mom) Being a mom means thinking you're the luckiest person in the world.

* (Pregnant Moms) Being a mom means realizing that perhaps the greatest gift in life is a baby.

* (Baby Moms) Being a mom means learning what an inflatable donut is all about.

* (Toddler Moms) Being a mom means learning the "terrible twos" is false advertising. The condition lasts longer than a couple of years.

* (Moms of School Kids) Being a mom means inexplicably breaking down in tears when your child starts first grade just like you did when she started preschool. Husbands will not understand this.

* (Moms and Computers) Being a mom means having children beg for a computer, beg to put the computer in their room, and beg to let them join MySpace.

* (Moms of Teens) Being a mom means wondering why your teens has nothing to say when you ask how their day went.

* (Moms of Adult Kids) Being a mom means aking your twenty-two-year old, in front of his date, about his constipation issues.

* (Working Moms) Being a mom means getting everybody out of the house by 7:30 a.m.

* (Single Moms) Being a single mom means knowing that, while two-parent homes are best for children, life doesn't always work out that way.

* (Moms and Money) Being a mom means figuring out how to cut your grocery bill 40 percent after you quit work-even though you're adding another person to the family.

* (Moms and Difficult Issues) Being a mom means explaining to your kids that even though drugs are dangerous, you have a medicine cabinet full of them.

* (Moms and Grace) Being a mom means recognizing that your children are a gift from God. And treating them as such.

Verse of the Day

God makes everything come out right;...Gos is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, He's rich in love. He doesn't endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever...As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is His love to those who fear Him.

Psalm 103:6, 8-9, 11 (The Message)

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I don't know about you, but I am so glad that my God is loving!

Moppets

Happy Wednesday Ladies!

I know that it hasn't even been a week since our last MOPS meeting, but thought it would be appropriate to send this email out to you - since MOPS would be still fresh in your mind.

Over the next couple of months, if you happen to think of anyone who would love to volunteer their time and love to MOPPETS for our upcoming year - please send me their name, and phone number. You can also give them mine if you like (745-0502).

Please also give them this information:
* We meet the SECOND THUR of each month from SEPT - MAY
* Time commitment would be 8:45 - 11:45 AM
* They DO NOT need to be available each month to volunteer. Only 1 time/yr is
required.

MOPPETS appreciates all the help we can get!

Thanks! and have a great summer!

Faith Hope and Love -
Christy

Convention!

This year the MOPS convention is in Nashville, TN!!!!

I personally have never been to convention but have spoken with people who have in the past and everyone said it was a MUST to go; so I'm going!!!!

To get the pre-registration (early bird special) we must register by June 22nd (that's only 19 days away). You can go to www.mops.org and then click on the "Events" drop down box and then select "MOPS convention" to get further information.

We need to know who is interested in going ASAP! Everyone who is going will have $100 to go towards their registration fee (thank you to the anonymous donor) and we already have other various fundraisers set up to reduce the cost even more!

This is going to be a great way to get some relaxation, have some fun, create deeper bonds with other moms and get refueled! Hope to see you there :)

A mom update...

This was sent to me from one of our MOPS mom (Kenda L.). I think it is awesome what she has done and strongly encourage everyone to vote for her...you rock Kendra!

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Hey ladies. I took part in a Pay It Forward challenge through Summit Credit Union in April. The rules were to take their $10 and “pay it forward’ somehow. I decided to see how much food and non-food items I could get for the Portage Food Pantry. I ended up with a grand total of $160.64 worth of stuff! I’m very proud of my accomplishment, and it gave me a great opportunity to show selfless giving to my kids.

They are now holding a voting period where people can vote for their favorite results. I am writing to ask for your vote! You can use the following link to see the video follow up and photos, and vote for me. The “winner” of the challenge wins $500 and $500 for their charity as well! If I won, I would support the food pantry here in Portage.

Please consider voting for me, I would really appreciate it!!


http://payitforward.summitcreditunion.com/page.php?page=3&pid=179&sf=p

Thanks. Kendra

MOPS Tea & Testimony

Good Morning Ladies! As I was reflecting this morning I read a story from a devotions book I just picked up yesterday called Fresh Grounded Faith by Jennifer Rothschild. She writes"...beauty comes from the radiance of Christ that is best revealed through our scars. It's a compelling strength that becomes realized only in our weakness. It's a beauty forged in the refining fire of trial, and a loveliness fashioned on the anvil of faithfulness". For me, this captured what Janette shared with us last night!

I have included a few pictures courtesy of Gayle! Enjoy!

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power for ever and ever!" Revelation 5:13 NIV

My Princess...

My Chosen One!

I chose you before the foundation of the earth to be My princess. You are royalty even when you don't feel like a princess. I will wait for you until you are ready to start living the amazing plans I have for you. I know you don't know where to begin or how to become what I've called you to be, so let Me teach you day by day. Start by recognizing who I am: King of kings and Lord of lords. The Lover of your soul. When the two of us meet alone together every day, I will show you how to let go of the things in your life that are holding you back from the blessings I want to give you.

Remember, My child, just as I have chosen you, I have given you a choice to represent Me to the word. If you are willing, I am here to give you all you need to complete your calling.

Love,
Your King and Lord who chose you

You didn't choose me, I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. John 15:16

Taken from: "His Princess-Love letters from your King" by Sheri Rose Shepherd

May 28th Meeting

Just a reminder....

Our last MOPS meeting (until the fall) will be tomorrow night at the Portage United Methodist Church. It is going to be a BLAST!

Don't forget to bring your smile, a dish to pass (if you signed up), year-end evaluations and your registration forms for next year!

See you all tomorrow night!

Happy Memorial Day

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you so much for this gorgeous day that you have blessed us with. Today I especially pray for those who have fought for our country. Because of them we are able to enjoy the freedom that this country has. We pray that you bless those who have fought and bless the families who have lost a loved one. May Your peace surround them not only today but every day. Let them know Your love and grace that You have for Your children.

Amen.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. ~ 1 Peter 5:10

Sunsets

Amazing, God! Sunsets are simply amazing. We don't often take the time to look at them, but when we do, we are awed. You are magnificent. The world You created is better than anything artists have dreamed up. Purples, blues, golds, and oranges - the ay You blen them all together is incredibly beautiful. Thanks God for maing such an awe-inspiring world.

Shout with joy to God, all the earth!~Pslam 66:1

Taken from the "Hand in Hand" daily calendar

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Sunrises and sunsets both take my breath away. My mom and I were talking yesterday about the Northern Lights (she left for Alaska today) and even how those take our breath away. I went to Alaska once and I so fortunate in being able to see the Northern Lights. I was not able to get a picture because I was frozen with awe...I didn't want to leave to get the camera and miss the bost beautiful dance of colors I have ever seen. God is so amazing!

Today I want to challenge each one of you to take a moment in the next week and find yourself frozen in awe at how incredible our God is. For some it will be watching either the sunrise or the sunset, or it could be looking at a tall, strong oak tree, maybe it's the flowers in your garden and of course for all of us it's the smile on our children's faces.

Enjoy your "frozen in awe" moments this week!

Rainy Days

Thank You for creating flowers, God. They are beautiful and comforting. Even a dandelion given at the right moment encourages our souls. Thank You for watering the earth so flowers can grow, bloom, smell wonderful, and be shared. They make wonderful clothes for the earth! Amen.

"For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come." Song of Solomon 2:11-12 KJV

Taken from the "Hand in Hand" daily calendar.