Pray for Your Men (11/8/12)

Ladies,

Our absent moms were missed greatly last Thursday (11/8/12) at MOPS as there were many who were tending to sick children or suffering their own illnesses.  There were also many who had volunteered their time to a worthy charitable event that would eventually benefit many community organizations.  That is what we do best…care for others, but we do hope that you will be able to join us this Thursday, November 15^th for our next meeting.

Our featured MOPS Mentor Panel did not disappoint this year!  Judy led the panel, along with Connie Seale, Lori Smith, and Mary Ann Dougherty.  All of the questions were incredibly thoughtful, and our discussion was just SO GOOD.  We interacted, gave each other suggestions, supported one another’s decisions,   and ultimately, agreed that we, as moms, answer ONLY to God when it comes to raising our children and caring for our families and husbands…. Not “the public” at large, or a self help book. 

I wanted however to center this meeting’s synopsis on Judy’s devotional as it was the perfect compliment to Mrs. Debby’s charge to keep the “sizzle” in our marriages!  As that was the demonstrative component of maintaining a healthy relationship, this week’s message taught us how to SPIRITUALLY strengthen and uplift the men in our lives. 

Our Husbands are men we love, but they are not perfect (and neither are we!).   We sometimes fall victim to the line of thinking that either “they will change” or you “will change them” over time.   But we all know neither of these are the truth.  God wants us, you, to pray for HIS WAY.  He wants us to pray for our husbands to be the man HE wants him to be, the leader of YOUR family.   Taking your prayers to God will make your marriage stronger, and those little things won’t bother you as much.  PRAY FOR YOUR MEN.  Pray for God to be in your husband’s life;  ask God to be his eyes or hands if his profession relies heavily upon these skills involving what he sees or manually operates.    Is this not the least we can do to support their objectives (which are to support, and provide for their families)?

Judy provided photocopies of the following prayer card that specifically address “Lifting My Husband Through Prayer”  referencing scripture and specific needs:

“Lord, I lift my husband to You today and pray, according to Your Word, that:”

-          You give him strength to lead (Joshua 1:7), time to know his family (John 10:14), and a passion to manage his home (1 Timothy 3:4).

-          You bless his work and show him daily how to honor You in his attitude and spirit;  confirm the work of his hands unto Your purpose (Psalm 90:16-17; Daniel 6)

-          He will be a wise steward of our finances and all we possess, remembering that all things are Yours and entrusted to us for Your purposes (Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 16: 10-13).

-          He will love You with all his heart, soul, mind and strength and hate evil (Mark 12:30; Psalm 97:10)

-          He will be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19)

-          You protect him physically, mentally and spiritually (Psalm 28:7-9; Psalm 41; John 17:15; Thessalonians 3:3).

-          You give him the desire to teach and model a godly lifestyle for his children (Deuteronomy 6; Psalm 78: 5-7).

-          You will instruct him and teach him in the way he should go (Psalm 32:8); give him peace in circumstances and integrity in decisions he must face today (1 Corinthians 14:33; Proverbs 11:3).

-          He would meditate day and night on Your Word, pray without ceasing (Psalm 1:1-3; Psalm 119: 18, 73; 1 Thessalonians 5:17), and stay faithful to Christ to the end (Hebrews 12:1-2).

-          He would develop strong relationships with other godly men (Ephesians 4:24-25; Hebrews 10:24).

I hope you all will join us this Thursday, November 15^th .  We all take away something special from this time, and I hope you will be there partake.

Have a great weekend, and see you on Thursday!

Debra Bochow

Discussion Group Coordinator

It's Marvin MOPS Week (11/8/12)!

Wonderful Moms,

Visions of creative costumes, fun size candy and pumpkin rolls fill my head as I recall last week’s hubbub of festive activities!   What a great launch to one of my favorite seasons of the year.   Following on the heels and excitement of the most delightful and informative Mrs. Debby, we have our next MOPS meeting this Thursday, November 8^th at 10 a.m. 

In a slight change to our scheduled programming, we will host our annual MOPS Mentor Panel where our beloved Mentors will field and answer questions from US about anything that we are currently living through in our lives, which as we all know covers the spectrum of topics!  As we always have done, questions may be submitted confidentially or openly either during the meeting or by email ahead of time to Judy Carter at bjcarter@suddenlink.net.    Topics in the past have run the gamut from child discipline to strengthening our marriages.  Let’s really use this precious time with these thoughtful women who have been on this journey before us, and can give solid insight into our challenges or questions.

If you will be using childcare, also known as our MOPPETS program, you may bring your children to the childcare rooms which are located on the first floor.  There will be a sign to direct you.  If your children are not coming, and you are signed up for childcare, it is important that you contact Stephanie Lamb, our MOPPETS Coordinator, to let her know:  Steph.lamb@sbcglobal.net, or 903-363-7447.  This affects how many volunteers/workers/rooms we need.

Some additional important reminders about our MOPPETS program:

·         Please LABEL ALL of your child’s belongings (sippy cups, pacifiers,etc.) 

·         Please DO NOT bring your child if he/she shows ANY signs of illness.  Please refer to the “Moppets Guidelines” for further instruction

·         Drop off time is 9:50-10:00 a.m. before the meeting.  Please pick up your children promptly by noon to be courteous of the MOPPETS staff

Thursday Meeting Reminders:

1. The YELLOW table will bring food
2. Please bring your new and gently used coats in support of our Fall Missions Project in support of St. Paul’s Children’s Foundation
3. If you are able, please consider making one of our awesome casseroles for our annual fall bake sale.  Pans and recipes will be available on Thursday. 

UPCOMING MOPS Events:

-          November 6 (Tuesday)- MOPS Play Date at Brookshire’s Wildlife Museum and Park, 10 a.m.- 12 noon

-          November 16 (Friday)- MNO at KE Cellars on Broadway at 6 p.m.

If you are UNABLE to attend this Thursday’s MOPS meeting, please notify your Table Leader.  If your children are not coming, and are signed up for childcare, please also notify Stephanie Lamb (MOPPETS Coordinator) at steph.lamb@sbcglobal.net or 903-363-7447.

And LASTLY, A BIG THANK YOU to ALL of the moms who volunteered their time and mixers to our awesome pumpkin roll baking day extravaganza!  In record time, Suzanne Lambert coordinated the successful baking of 75 pumpkin rolls in only 3 HOURS!  Now that is leadership and teamwork at its finest!

I hope to see you all on Thursday!  

Have a wonderful and blessed week,

Debra Bochow

Discussion Group Coordinator

Keeping Our Marriages Solid, Strong and SIZZLING

Hello Moms,

We missed each of you at MOPS yesterday, and what a meeting it was!  I hope that whatever the circumstance, obstacle or sickness that was endured will resolve quickly and bring you back to us at our next get together. 

WOW, I’ve never left a meeting so filled with promise, and conviction.  A BIG thank you goes to our lead mentor, Judy Carter and our mighty speaker, Mrs. Debby Brown, whose words spoke to all of our hearts at a time when we all needed comfort and encouragement.

Judy’s Devotional:
We each have our own “valleys” in life that may bring contemplation, sadness and extreme pain.  How does one move forward when we find ourselves in a life “valley?”  

ANSWER:  PSALM 23.  Find comfort in that the Lord is OUR SHEPHERD, and we have nothing to fear because our shepherd will protect us.  All we can do is just “ask.”   This is God’s promise that goodness and love will follow and that with these two things, you can get through anything.  

“How to Put the Sizzle in Your Marriage”
Mrs. Debby immediately won our hearts and “had us at Hello” as she immediately declared her love of Jesus and MOPS!  But first, she wanted us to know where she had come from and why she now stood before us today.   We all could relate to her background… college, marriage, babies, supporting husband’s career, making a home, and being the best mom and community volunteer she could be!  Kids, girlfriends, and community service became her world.   Sound familiar?  YES, she was just like US… but, she did not put the same energy into being a “great wife” and after 17 years, the toll of neglect and taking her husband for granted came to a head.   As the demise of her marriage was looming, Mrs. Debby ran to God for help.  And here is what she learned on her journey to regain her marriage and her husband’s love:

-          We must place the following entities in their rightful PRIORITY in our lives.  This list is in priority order, and God is FIRST, and spouse is SECOND.

                          God
                       Spouse
                       Chilldren
                          Home
                       Work
                       Community

-          Next, estimate how much TIME you devote to each person/entity per day in the aforementioned list, and see where your time and priorities currently lie.  Is your list time top heavy?  If so, you are leading the right life!  Is your list time bottom heavy?  Could you work on shifting your commitments to the top of the list? 

 As Mrs. Debby began the work to recover her marriage, her research and work brought forth some key lessons and “must dos” for all of us who want to keep our marriages solid, strong and SIZZLING.  Second only to our relationship with God, this is our most important relationship and a model for our children! 

 KEYS To the “Sizzle”

Before we lay out the plan, Mrs. Debby was very clear that any resources you may reach out for must be CHRIST based.  There is so much material available to assist us with our relationships (“self help”), but we must only seek out those that are Christ based because it is our relationship with God that defines our lives, and our priorities.  

1.       Communication is key to a successful marriage.  But more importantly, choose the right TIME AND SETTING.  Don’t plan to talk about your troubles when your spouse just steps into the house from work after a long day. PLAN A DATE NIGHT.   Get away from the kids and house.  Talk opening and honestly. 

2.       Don’t compare husbands.  Just concentrate on what God gave you and concentrate on what you LOVE about your spouse.  Don’t take the little things for granted.  Your spouse has been chosen for you.  Embrace the wonderful things that he does or does not do (i.e. lie, cheat).

3.       Look good for your spouse!  It also helps you to feel better about yourself as well.

4.       Don’t do those things that make him mad…you know those little habits that get under his skin, try not to do them.  It’s those little things compounded over time that cause fracture and resentment

5.       Look good in the bedroom…ladies, those oversize t shirts and sweatpants are not appealing.   Try to substitute the bulk comfy dress with something more delicate and enticing.

6.       Be a FUN wife!  Laugh at his silly jokes and pranks. 

7.       Use FUN Hallmark cards to communicate with your spouse.  Put one in his office, or by his bed.  Keep him interested and show him you still are!

8.       Call him during the day if he can accept calls and if you are able.  An unexpected “I’m thinking about you” is a sweet reminder of your connection.

9.       Put him and “his stuff” at the top of the list!  Does he need his dry cleaning picked up?  Then do it FIRST, and don’t wait and put it last on your to do list.  Show him he is the PRIORITY and is important to you!

10.   Initiate physical intimacy!

 

The Recipe for “The Perfect Romantic Evening” with your spouse:

1.       Have kids spend night with grandparent or trusted sitter/family member

2.       Place a note at the entrance of where your husband will come in from work or outside

3.       Line Hersey Kisses to the bathtub

4.       Be in the tub, filled with bubbles.  Candles lit and background music playing.

5.       Have your spouse join you in the tub, and spend 20 minutes LISTENING to him.  Do not talk, but you must LISTEN to him.

6.       The key to this evening is to show him you have listened and want him to be happy with initiating activities he enjoys!  Other suggested activities were recommended by Mrs. Debby and these can be easily deduced by the framework and theme of this type of night!

 In conclusion, Mrs. Debby emphatically pointed out that ONLY Jesus can make you happy, not your husband!  Your husband won’t change, but you can.  Employ these suggested tips for your happiness and your marriage because God wants you to! 

Our next MOPS meeting is Thursday, November 8^th at 10 a.m.  We will hear Meghan Goade present “5 Conversations to have with Your Son/Daughter.”  Another interesting topic for all of us! 

Don’t forget, this Thursday, November 1^st is our Pumpkin Roll Baking Day, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.   Childcare provided, and bring your aprons!

Have a wonderful weekend and hope to see you all on November 1^st! 

Debra Bochow

Discussion Group Coordinator

Attached is the link to this week’s newsletter
http://db.tt/3eNtu1SM

It's Marvin MOPS Week (10/25/12)!

Good Morning Moms,

We are full speed ahead into the Fall, and there are so many wonderful events to enjoy and this especially includes MOPS!  Please join us this Thursday, October 25 ^th at 10 a.m. to hear Debby Brown speak about “How to Keep the Sizzle in Marriage.”  Mrs. Brown has a very close connection to our group;  she is the aunt of our own Shelby West and she is speaking about a topic that is directly impacted by these early years of child rearing and mothering.   We will meet back in our regular meeting Room 246 (second floor, FAITH classroom) and let’s really engage in how we can strengthen and enrich the most important relationship our children observe.

If you will be using childcare, also known as our MOPPETS program, you may bring your children to the childcare rooms which are located on the first floor.  There will be a sign to direct you.  If your children are not coming, and you are signed up for childcare, it is important that you contact Stephanie Lamb, our MOPPETS Coordinator, to let her know:  Steph.lamb@sbcglobal.net, or 903-363-7447.  This affects how many volunteers/workers/rooms we need.

Also, please bring your children in their HALLOWEEN costumes for some trick –or- treating MOPS style! 

Some additional important reminders about our MOPPETS program:

·         Please LABEL ALL of your child’s belongings (sippy cups, pacifiers,etc.) 

·         Please DO NOT bring your child if he/she shows ANY signs of illness.  Please refer to the “Moppets Guidelines” for further instruction

·         Drop off time is 9:50-10:00 a.m. before the meeting.  Please pick up your children promptly by noon to be courteous of the MOPPETS staff

Thursday Meeting Reminders:

1. First Semester Dues are due:  $40 if you are using childcare/ $24 if you are not using childcare.  If you have not paid the $25 MOPS International (once a year) dues, then these are also due.  Checks made payable to “Marvin MOPS.”  Cash is also accepted.  Dues go to Heather Parker, our Financial Coordinator. 
2. Financial assistance is available in the form of scholarships or payment plans.  Please see Heather Parker for additional information.
3. The ORANGE table will bring food
4. Please bring your new and gently used coats in support of our Fall Missions Project in support of St. Paul’s Children’s Foundation

UPCOMING MOPS Events:

-          October 25 (THURSDAY)- 6:30 p.m. - MNO at the home of Kari Smith

-      November 1 (THURSDAY) – 8:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.- Pumpkin Roll Baking Day (Come and Go)

 If you are UNABLE to attend this Thursday’s MOPS meeting, please notify your Table Leader.  If your children are not coming, and are signed up for childcare, please also notify Stephanie Lamb (MOPPETS Coordinator) at steph.lamb@sbcglobal.net or 903-363-7447.

I hope to see you all on Thursday!  

Have a wonderful and blessed week,

Debra Bochow

Discussion Group Coordinator

Kung Fu Fighting

It was so good to see all of our wonderful moms this past Thursday. We missed those who were absent and pray that all the sickness going around would soon cease! We had a good morning of fellowship in Pirtle Hall followed by an informative and entertaining guest speaker, Dometrius Hill. Dometrius gave us great tips and advice on child safety while demonstrating an easy self defense tactic. Many of you were interested in Dometrius's martial arts academy and the classes he provides so we have included his contact information below. Hope you all had a relaxing weekend and we will meet back on Thursday, October 25th. See you soon!

Dometrius Hill

http://www.atasma.com/

hilldd@atasma.com

 

 

It's Marvin MOPS Week (10/11/12)!

Hello Moms,

The colder temperatures have come not a moment too soon!   Bundle up your kids, babies and most importantly, yourself and join us this Thursday, October 11^th at 10 a.m. in PIRTLE HALL (FIRST FLOOR, across the hall from the nursery), wear comfortable attire as we learn and practice “Self Defense 101” led by Demetrius Hall.

If you will be using childcare, also known as our MOPPETS program, you may bring your children to the childcare rooms which are located on the first floor.  There will be a sign to direct you.  If your children are not coming, and you are signed up for childcare, it is important that you contact Stephanie Lamb, our MOPPETS Coordinator, to let her know:  Steph.lamb@sbcglobal.net, or 903-363-7447.  This affects how many volunteers/workers/rooms we need.

Some additional important reminders about our MOPPETS program:

·         Please LABEL ALL of your child’s belongings (sippy cups, pacifiers,etc.) 

·         Please DO NOT bring your child if he/she shows ANY signs of illness.  Please refer to the “Moppets Guidelines” for further instruction

·         Drop off time is 9:50-10:00 a.m. before the meeting.  Please pick up your children promptly by noon to be courteous of the MOPPETS staff

Thursday Meeting Reminders:

1. First Semester Dues are due:  $40 if you are using childcare/ $24 if you are not using childcare.  If you have not paid the $25 MOPS International (once a year) dues, then these are also due.  Checks made payable to “Marvin MOPS.”  Cash is also accepted.  Dues go to Heather Parker, our Financial Coordinator. 
2. Financial assistance is available in the form of scholarships or payment plans.  Please see Heather Parker for additional information.
3. The RED table will bring food
4. Table Leaders:  Start coordinating your Table Night Out before our calendars fill up with school and holiday plans! 

UPCOMING MOPS Events:

-          October 16 (TUESDAY)- Playdate (location and time TBD)

-          October 25 (THURSDAY)- 6:30 p.m. - MNO at the home of Kari Smith

If you are UNABLE to attend this Thursday’s MOPS meeting, please notify your Table Leader.  If your children are not coming, and are signed up for childcare, please also notify Stephanie Lamb (MOPPETS Coordinator) at steph.lamb@sbcglobal.net or 903-363-7447.

I hope to see you all on Thursday!  

Have a wonderful and blessed week,

Debra Bochow

Discussion Group Coordinator

Vines and Heart Strings

Hello Moms,

We missed each of you at last Thursday’s MOPS meeting on 9/27/12 and hope that whatever may have ailed you, your children, or whatever obstacle arose, that you now are well on your way back to your normal and healthy routine and self. 

Our time together was filled with deep spiritual and practical insight and advice on whom we are as women of faith and mothers. 

Judy’s devotion centered on the following verse John 15:5-
“I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit;   apart from me you can do nothing.”

When vines have overgrown and feed into/take over spaces they should not, they often cause problems and are unsightly.  In order for a vine to be healthy, they need to be trimmed, cut back, groomed and loved.  Boundaries need to be re-established for a vine to flourish.  This is exactly how our relationship with God should be.  He is the strong, rooted, sturdy vine, and we are the branches and growth.  What do our vines look like in our own lives, and what is hanging on the edges?  Are we willing to cut out those vines and branches that are wandering into spaces they should not?  We are reminded to trim our vines back, come back to God to be nourished and fed.

Kristin Jones, accomplished mother of seven (three of whom are in our MOPS group!), reminded us that in order to “Train the Heart of a Child” we must GAIN the heart of our children by being attentive, understanding and empathetic.  Training them how to think will come from what is in their heart.  

QUESTION: How then does one train and gain the heart of their children? 
ANSWER:  By Tying Heart Strings!

“Tying Heart Strings” comes from building a bond within a family and using strings of mutual love, respect and honor that weaves one’s family together.  Selfishness, stubbornness and indifference can cut heart strings and break familial relationships.  But, before we can even tie or re-tie heart strings, our own hearts as mothers have to be surrendered to God.  A mother is a window to God.  We are modeling God for our children!  This is the first relationship and experience our children will have with God, and must be in place for us to gain the hearts of our children.

Some ways in which we can tie or re-tie heart strings, if they have been cut:

-          Look at your children with PLEASURE, lots of eye contact and smiles

-          Show AFFECTION;  hugs, kisses, touch

-          Enjoy your children’s company.  Invite them to places where they do not often go.  Show them they are important and that you want them to share in your experiences

-          Sit on the floor and just PLAY

-          Take outings and create adventures for and with our children

-          Encourage them to build outside projects (like a fort) and see what they have done and accomplished. Fly a kite together, set up bird feeders, etc.

-          Teach your children to do things around the house.  Have them help you with your daily tasks.  This gives them a purpose and sense of accomplishment.

 

The goal is for our children to feel a special connection with us, that which is filled with great delight and satisfaction.

Thank you again to Mrs. Jones for her words of experience and encouragement, and always to Judy for her mighty prayer and devotional.

Our next MOPS meeting is Thursday, October 11^th at 10 a.m.  We will meet in PIRTLE HALL (first floor) across the hall from the nursery.  Demetrius Hill will lead us in “Self Defense 101.”  Come comfortably dressed.  Food will be provided by the RED Table.

Have a wonderful week and see you on October 11^th!

Debra Bochow
Discussion Group Coordinator