Marvin MOPS: "Live Compassionately, Love Deeply..."

Hello Ladies,

These last few weeks leading up to the end of the school and MOPS year are quite busy, but exciting. Our meeting yesterday was indicative of that end of year “buzz;” lots of communicating amongst ourselves about the upcoming summer, busy vacation schedules, and looking forward to closing a year of achievement and accomplishment. We missed each of you, and I do hope that ALL of you will attend our LAST meeting of the year this Thursday, May 10 at 10 a.m. It will be a time to reflect and look forward as we all continue on this journey called motherhood together.

Judy’s devotional opened up with a recommendation on a website she was directed towards by our own Amber Reinhardt called “The Power of Moms.” She highly recommends that we read the blog that is found within the website titled “Your Children Want You.”

Comparisons. Aren’t we all guilty of “comparing” ourselves to someone at some point in our lives? At first, we probably have compared ourselves to a family member (sibling, cousin), and then as we get older, our comparisons are made with our peers (friends). As we journey through life, get married, and then have a child(ren), it is inevitable that we now compare ourselves with other moms. And perhaps we also compare ourselves with other Christians. As women, we seem to be CONSTANTLY comparing ourselves. The danger is that this exercise can lead to jealousy and envy and God does not like these qualities. The lesson is to be our very best as God has made us to be. Do not try to be someone that we are not.

Our featured speaker was Katie Butts. She is a fellow MOPS mom who has two beautiful children (Will 4 ½ and Ellie 1 ½ ) each with their own unique physical conditions and special needs. In a very short period of time, she has experienced and learned about how differently (and sometimes hurtful) children and adults interact with her children and even herself. This encompasses everything from gestures, questionable verbal interactions, and questions. From her own point of view and others that she has consulted with from her journey (parents of children who face difficult physical and mental challenges), Katie has compiled a wonderful reference tool for adults and children in how we can sensitively and successfully integrate other children/adults who are visibly “different” into a world of inclusion and friendship. In addition, Katie has also compiled a resource list of media, and books that can introduce your children to characters/individuals who look different, but are really just like all of us! I have attached these documents to this email.

Following Katie's wonderful presentation, each table had discussion questions that continued the dialogue about raising sensitive and compassionate children. We all learned and gained specific skills and vocabulary that will make a positive difference!