We had a great time together this morning preparing for and celebrating the Easter season! We started our morning with a reading of the children's book, "Parable of the Lily". For our craft project, we decorated terra cotta flower pots using paint, ribbons, buttons, etc and all got to take home a lily bulb to plant in our yards this spring!
Our speaker shared a wonderful message about God's grace and forgiveness! She defined grace as "freely given, unmerited favor and love of God" and forgiveness as "the act of forgiving; ceasing to feel resentment towards an offender; pardon". She shared that we all have the same need: to be forgiven and receive grace. She went on to share her very personal story of pain, grief, and ultimately grace! She shared with us that God wants to walk with us, promises to never leave or forsake us, and wants to redeem our stories too! If we are struggling with forgiving others in our lives, we need to take the next step and ask God to help us forgive and give grace to our offender(s). She reminded us that no one is more worthy of God's grace/forgiveness than anyone else. We have ALL sinned and need forgiveness/grace! God loves everyone, even your "offender", and longs for relationship with all people.
Finally, she shared that grace is FREE to US, but not to Him - it cost Christ his life! By God's grace we have been forgiven and by His grace we can forgive!!
Have a joyous, Happy Easter! See you on Tuesday, April 20th!!!
This blog is dedicated to the Moms of Influence group at Northbrook Church in Richfield, WI.
March 2nd - Launch Pad: Leadership for Life/MOPS Tea
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." Matthew 5:13-16
The theme for this year's tea was "The Domino Effect" and we focused on how we as Christian mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, friends, and community members can positively affect others around us. Our two speakers for the morning were husbands of Northbrook MOPS members and they shared with our group how MOPS has impacted their wives, marriages, children, families, etc. We also watched a brief video of our children sharing what MOPS means to them and their favorite part about coming to MOPS. So cute! We heard an inspirational "reading" about how the little things we do everyday mean a LOT to our children.
We ended our time together with the "Cardboard Stories" of our steering team. The members of the steering team got "real" with us and shared how God has worked and is working in their lives. It was a moving and powerful experience for all in the room!
The theme for this year's tea was "The Domino Effect" and we focused on how we as Christian mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, friends, and community members can positively affect others around us. Our two speakers for the morning were husbands of Northbrook MOPS members and they shared with our group how MOPS has impacted their wives, marriages, children, families, etc. We also watched a brief video of our children sharing what MOPS means to them and their favorite part about coming to MOPS. So cute! We heard an inspirational "reading" about how the little things we do everyday mean a LOT to our children.
We ended our time together with the "Cardboard Stories" of our steering team. The members of the steering team got "real" with us and shared how God has worked and is working in their lives. It was a moving and powerful experience for all in the room!
February 16 - Satellite; Earth to Somewhere: Communication in Marriage
We started the morning making no-sew fleece blankets for Joy House. As a group, we were able to donate about 14 large and 14 small/cuddle blankets for the adults and children at Joy House. Thank you all for your creativity and hard work....the blankets looked great and will be a blessing to the residents!!!
Our speaker, Elizabeth Murphy, shared on the topic of Communication in Marriage, focusing on "Reading the Signals". The signals she talked about included silent, stolen, small, steady, stretched, and spiritual.
Silent Signals - our body language, tone, and attitude towards our family can say so much more than words. So, we need to figure out what triggers our moods/anger/silent signals and watch out for those triggers. Also, we need to be honest with our spouse and family about when we are feeling the pressure and stress building up, causing us to communicate with these silent signals.
Stolen Signals - So often we try to do what we see other people doing. We read a book, watch a video, or attend a marriage seminar and try to apply the material to our marriage without "personalizing" it. This won't work since we are all in different situations and can't compare our marriages to others. Elizabeth advised us not to compare and to ask God how he would have us use the stolen signals/tools (books, seminars, etc) given to us.
Small Signals - the little things that mean something to our spouse such as putting the laundry down the chute or making the bed. These things say "I can do this for you because I love you". If there is something you would like your spouse to do for you, explain why it is important to you and how it makes you feel when it is or isn't done.
Steady Signals - the day to day "rituals" in our relationships, such as making coffee or bringing in the paper every morning, regular date nights, etc. These are things you can count on and they set a good foundation/environment for communication.
Stretched Signals - These are the signals we send out when we are stressed out or under pressure. If you build a good foundation before you find yourself stretched, you will have a good pattern for communication in your relationship.
Spiritual Signals - Pray for each other! This will keep you "knit together" even when you are apart. One good question to ask your spouse is "What can I pray for you?" Elizabeth also suggested sitting down with each other, sharing prayer requests, and then praying together!
Elizabeth's Suggested Book List:
"The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman
"Now You're Speaking My Language" by Gary Chapman
"The Man Whisperer" by Rick Johnson
"Men are Like Waffles, Women are Like Spaghetti" by Bill and Pam Farrell
Our speaker, Elizabeth Murphy, shared on the topic of Communication in Marriage, focusing on "Reading the Signals". The signals she talked about included silent, stolen, small, steady, stretched, and spiritual.
Silent Signals - our body language, tone, and attitude towards our family can say so much more than words. So, we need to figure out what triggers our moods/anger/silent signals and watch out for those triggers. Also, we need to be honest with our spouse and family about when we are feeling the pressure and stress building up, causing us to communicate with these silent signals.
Stolen Signals - So often we try to do what we see other people doing. We read a book, watch a video, or attend a marriage seminar and try to apply the material to our marriage without "personalizing" it. This won't work since we are all in different situations and can't compare our marriages to others. Elizabeth advised us not to compare and to ask God how he would have us use the stolen signals/tools (books, seminars, etc) given to us.
Small Signals - the little things that mean something to our spouse such as putting the laundry down the chute or making the bed. These things say "I can do this for you because I love you". If there is something you would like your spouse to do for you, explain why it is important to you and how it makes you feel when it is or isn't done.
Steady Signals - the day to day "rituals" in our relationships, such as making coffee or bringing in the paper every morning, regular date nights, etc. These are things you can count on and they set a good foundation/environment for communication.
Stretched Signals - These are the signals we send out when we are stressed out or under pressure. If you build a good foundation before you find yourself stretched, you will have a good pattern for communication in your relationship.
Spiritual Signals - Pray for each other! This will keep you "knit together" even when you are apart. One good question to ask your spouse is "What can I pray for you?" Elizabeth also suggested sitting down with each other, sharing prayer requests, and then praying together!
Elizabeth's Suggested Book List:
"The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman
"Now You're Speaking My Language" by Gary Chapman
"The Man Whisperer" by Rick Johnson
"Men are Like Waffles, Women are Like Spaghetti" by Bill and Pam Farrell
February 2 - Houston, We Have a Problem: Sex in Marriage
With Valentine's Day right around the corner, today's meeting focused on love and intimacy. Erin started the morning out with a fun game, where each group had to craft a "love letter" using the sayings on candy hearts. Congratulations to the Moonwalker Moms for their cute and funny rap!! Lots of creativity and laughter in the fellowship hall this morning!!!!
Today's speaker presented the topics of desire and intimacy in marriage. A few of the key points made included problems with desire in marriage, desire discrepancy, and emotional/physical intimacy in marriage.
Some of the problems with desire that we face in marriage can come from family history, personal/sexual history, and marital history ( past problems that we have faced in our marriage). She also spoke about desiring God, who is our true soul mate. We need to put God first in our lives because He loves us unconditionally, knows us fully and loves us anyway, and will give us the desires of our heart.
According to our speaker, the three stages of marriage are: romantic (early/newlywed stage), power struggle (which can last for many years), and then reality (which is the beginning of REAL love and acceptance). Part of the problem with desire in the later stages of marriage is that we expect chemistry and commitment to exist at the same time, when they are actually in opposition to each other! Yes, you can have both, but it takes INTENTIONAL WORK!!! Don't believe that you don't love someone simply because you no longer feel the same desire you once had for them.
She then went on to speak about emotional and physical intimacy. Men and women are quite different when it comes to emotional intimacy. Men are motivated for independence while women are motivated for intimacy. Clearly, this can cause some problems in a relationship.
One of the issues with physical intimacy can come when a couple faces a "desire discrepancy", meaning one spouse has a high level of desire, while the other has a low level. This is common in most marriages, with the man being the high desire spouse about 2/3 of the time. Our speaker emphasized that an accurate pattern in later stages of marriage looks like this:
Arousal --- Desire---Intimacy.
So if we wait around for the desire to come, we may be waiting a LONG time!!!
In order to have a healthy sex life in marriage, we need to have open communication and compromise. The goal should be oneness and intimacy and we should expect to have to WORK at it!! Kathy's final recommendations for us included "don't wait one more day, put husband and marriage first, deepen your friendship, decide that a loving, satisfying sexual relationship is important, and take care of yourself."
If you are interested in learning more about this morning's speaker and her marriage classes, please visit her website at iwanttostaymarriedbuthow.com and/or blog at iwanttostaymarriedbuthow.blogspot.com
Today's speaker presented the topics of desire and intimacy in marriage. A few of the key points made included problems with desire in marriage, desire discrepancy, and emotional/physical intimacy in marriage.
Some of the problems with desire that we face in marriage can come from family history, personal/sexual history, and marital history ( past problems that we have faced in our marriage). She also spoke about desiring God, who is our true soul mate. We need to put God first in our lives because He loves us unconditionally, knows us fully and loves us anyway, and will give us the desires of our heart.
According to our speaker, the three stages of marriage are: romantic (early/newlywed stage), power struggle (which can last for many years), and then reality (which is the beginning of REAL love and acceptance). Part of the problem with desire in the later stages of marriage is that we expect chemistry and commitment to exist at the same time, when they are actually in opposition to each other! Yes, you can have both, but it takes INTENTIONAL WORK!!! Don't believe that you don't love someone simply because you no longer feel the same desire you once had for them.
She then went on to speak about emotional and physical intimacy. Men and women are quite different when it comes to emotional intimacy. Men are motivated for independence while women are motivated for intimacy. Clearly, this can cause some problems in a relationship.
One of the issues with physical intimacy can come when a couple faces a "desire discrepancy", meaning one spouse has a high level of desire, while the other has a low level. This is common in most marriages, with the man being the high desire spouse about 2/3 of the time. Our speaker emphasized that an accurate pattern in later stages of marriage looks like this:
Arousal --- Desire---Intimacy.
So if we wait around for the desire to come, we may be waiting a LONG time!!!
In order to have a healthy sex life in marriage, we need to have open communication and compromise. The goal should be oneness and intimacy and we should expect to have to WORK at it!! Kathy's final recommendations for us included "don't wait one more day, put husband and marriage first, deepen your friendship, decide that a loving, satisfying sexual relationship is important, and take care of yourself."
If you are interested in learning more about this morning's speaker and her marriage classes, please visit her website at iwanttostaymarriedbuthow.com and/or blog at iwanttostaymarriedbuthow.blogspot.com
January 19: Out of the World: Lap Reading with Preschoolers
We had another great morning together at MOPS! For those of you that couldn't join us, there are a couple of important announcements to share. First of all, we talked a little about the devastating earthquake in Haiti and what we could do to help. If you are interested in learning more about the situation in Haiti or would like to make a monetary donation, please visit the following websites: www.worldrelief.org or www.samaritanspurse.org
Also, we are trying to set up meals for a fellow mom who is pregnant and on bed rest. If you are interested in preparing a meal, please contact April or Erin. Let's show this mom how much we care and what MOPS is really all about during her time of need!
Today's speaker, Rhonda, shared some great advice on reading to our children. She spoke about the reasons for reading to our children, the "when, where, what, and how" of reading to our children, and gave helpful tips on choosing books/reading aloud to different age groups.
Research shows that there is a positive correlation between reading to children and their reading achievement. Reading aloud to children fosters early reading and language development, is the single most important activity for building knowledge, and is a practice that should continue throughout the grades (even once the child can read on his/her own). Also, reading aloud to young children sends pleasure messages to the brain signaling that reading is a good/positive thing.
When should we read to our children? NOW! Start right from the cradle. Also, it is never too late to begin reading to your children.
Where? Use your imagination: you could read outside under a shady tree, in the sandbox, at the park, even at bath time or meal time! You can toss a sheet over the table to create a reading hideaway, take books in the car for a long road trip, or spread a blanket on the floor for an indoor "reading picnic". Be Creative!
What? Whatever is at hand: books, magazines, road signs, cereal boxes, menus, billboards, etc.
Read Mother Goose rhymes, poetry, books with pictures that are colorful and simple. And sometimes, read books that are a bit beyond your child's reach or a little more advanced!
How? Read slowly and with expression....now is the time to really be silly and ham it up for your kids. You should allow your child to help handle the book (hold it, turn the pages, etc). Also, talk about the story, model how you think about the story ("I wonder what's going to happen here?" or "I think this part is silly because...."), ask your child questions and take the time to answer his/her questions about the story, follow your child's lead in talking about the book, and have a conversation about the story.
If you are interested in tips on choosing books/reading aloud to your children or would like a suggested book list for young readers, please let us know at the next meeting and we will get you a copy of today's handouts.
Also, we are trying to set up meals for a fellow mom who is pregnant and on bed rest. If you are interested in preparing a meal, please contact April or Erin. Let's show this mom how much we care and what MOPS is really all about during her time of need!
Today's speaker, Rhonda, shared some great advice on reading to our children. She spoke about the reasons for reading to our children, the "when, where, what, and how" of reading to our children, and gave helpful tips on choosing books/reading aloud to different age groups.
Research shows that there is a positive correlation between reading to children and their reading achievement. Reading aloud to children fosters early reading and language development, is the single most important activity for building knowledge, and is a practice that should continue throughout the grades (even once the child can read on his/her own). Also, reading aloud to young children sends pleasure messages to the brain signaling that reading is a good/positive thing.
When should we read to our children? NOW! Start right from the cradle. Also, it is never too late to begin reading to your children.
Where? Use your imagination: you could read outside under a shady tree, in the sandbox, at the park, even at bath time or meal time! You can toss a sheet over the table to create a reading hideaway, take books in the car for a long road trip, or spread a blanket on the floor for an indoor "reading picnic". Be Creative!
What? Whatever is at hand: books, magazines, road signs, cereal boxes, menus, billboards, etc.
Read Mother Goose rhymes, poetry, books with pictures that are colorful and simple. And sometimes, read books that are a bit beyond your child's reach or a little more advanced!
How? Read slowly and with expression....now is the time to really be silly and ham it up for your kids. You should allow your child to help handle the book (hold it, turn the pages, etc). Also, talk about the story, model how you think about the story ("I wonder what's going to happen here?" or "I think this part is silly because...."), ask your child questions and take the time to answer his/her questions about the story, follow your child's lead in talking about the book, and have a conversation about the story.
If you are interested in tips on choosing books/reading aloud to your children or would like a suggested book list for young readers, please let us know at the next meeting and we will get you a copy of today's handouts.
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