Tuesday, May 8, 2012

THANK YOU!

What an incredible day we had today at Tea & Testimony!

 Thank you everyone for being so honest and transparent. Showing that there really are no perfect people, no perfect wives or husbands, no perfect mothers, no perfect daugthers, no perfect Christian....just a PERFECT God with a perfect plan. What a blessing to know that flawed and all we are still unconditionally loved, redeemed, forgiven and valued in the eyes of our Heavenly Father. We are God's masterpiece and He has big plans for each of our lives. This will be my last post on here as your MOPS Coordinator =)

I have been incredibly blessed by each of you amazing women. God has BIG things planned for this ministry up ahead. I know that with Michele Wilbert as your new Coordinator, God is going to do great things! I pray that you never forget that you were not a mistake, God made you for a purpose, His purpose. You are His precious daughter. You are a daughter of a King and He is just waiting for you to reach for His hand so He can lead the way. I pray that you take what you've seen first hand this MOPS year and use that to reach out to someone else so they know they are not alone in this Mothering journey. That you take time to laugh. Laugh with your spouse and laugh with your kids, it's ok to be silly. I pray that you know that one person can make a difference and it starts with just doing what you can. And most importantly...I pray You know that You are loved more than you will ever know by someone who died to know you! Love you girls!=)

Blessings,
Lynn Bradshaw

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

"Re-Think Your Drink"- Great Visual


 Years ago when Hunter was little I went to this class that was taught on nutrition and they brought in and passed around the bags of sugar that is in each sized soda cup. 
I came across this photo this morning which is a great visual! Sometimes if we don't see it, it somehow doesn't seems so bad... This photo not only shows sodas...but Capri Suns (which I have a couple boxes of in the garage).
Crazy when you see it this way....


This photo was posted on Neatorama

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

10 Ways to Save on Date Night from iMOM

Check out this great article from once again...our favorite: iMOM. 
We just LOVE them and all their great ideas for strengthening marriages and families!



1. Check out Restaurant.com. Type in your zip code and it will provide you a list of both local and chain restaurants in your area that are offering discounts (some up to 80%) on gift card purchases. Make sure you check the fine print.  Some have minimum purchase requirements or restrictions - like "valid Mon-Thurs."  You print the "gift card" at home so you can use it same day, or keep it for up to a year from the date of purchase.   If you and your honey have a favorite restaurant, stock up and use them throughout the year. 
2. Have some coffee talk. Head to a nearby coffee shop with iMOM's Fun Questions to Get to Know Him Better.
3. Eat at home first.  A babysitter, dinner and a movie can break the bank for date night. Keep a little extra money for popcorn and soda by eating at home with the kids before you go.  Make it a simple pizza night with paper plates so you don't have to worry about cooking or cleaning up.  
4. Head out a little later. Many babysitters will lower their hourly rate by a couple of bucks after the kids are asleep.  You just may need to take a shot of Espresso before you go.
5. Make it a date day. The weekends are full of free or super cheap events like food and music festivals, trade and antiques shows, garage sales and farmers' markets.   Pack a picnic lunch ahead of time so you won't have to buy expensive concession food.
6. Play hooky during the week. It's an easy way to save on babysitting! Drop the kids off at school like you would any other day, then drive past the office and on to a museum, aquarium or theme park.  Most places offer discounts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays when it's not as busy.  If you can't skip the whole day of work, meet your husband for breakfast or lunch.
7. Rotate babysitting with another couple every month.  When it's your night to receive the babysitting, go ahead splurge a little on a nice dinner, wine or concert tickets with the extra money you saved in babysitting.  You and your honey deserve it every once in a while.
8. Take your house back. If you have school-aged children, farm them out to neighbors, family or friends.  If you have little ones, put them to bed early. Then, turn off the TVs, computers and cell phones, light the candles, and enjoy the house (maybe even naked) that used to be all yours.
9. Use your annual pass. Many families invest in annual or seasonal passes to their favorite museum, theme park, aquarium or zoo.  Leave the kids at home, ditch the park map, and rediscover your favorite family spot with each other.
10. Put your tax dollars to work. Even with government budget cuts, chances are your county website is offering a multitude of instructional classes like cooking, painting, ceramics and even dancing. Sure you may have to meet in a musty old recreation center, but for only a few dollars per class, it more than makes up for the odd aroma.
© 2011 iMOM. All Rights Reserved. Family First, All Pro Dad, iMOM, and Family Minute with Mark Merrill are registered trademarks.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Parenting

Parenting and Marriage are the two main areas that we can continuously be learning and improving. I LOVE books! Especially getting books from the library (FREE) or at the goodwill bookstore (off of Rosedale Hwy, just passed Calloway-these books are usually .95 cents!). I also love book recommendations! 


I found this blog: Modern Parents Messy Kids.
She has some book recommendations that I'm curious to check out. These are books that I have not read and of course I'm not saying MOPS recommends them. This is just a curious fact to check out since they pertain to a lot of areas in parenting that we moms face. 

CLICK HERE
to go directly to the page and see more info.

Here is a brief over view of what books they are talking about and their photo of the books:

  1. 15 minutes Outside - It seems every spring since having kids I make a vow to spend more time outdoors with them.  From what I've heard, this book is full of ideas for getting families outside and I like the attainable goal of starting with just 15 minutes a day.
  2. Siblings Without Rivalry - I first checked this out from the library on my pediatrician's advice when I was pregnant with S.  Then I had S and promptly forgot about it until it was mentioned again by a teacher at her toddler group.  Considering that the longest relationship my children will have will be with each other, perusing a book or two on how not to ruin it as their parent seems worthwhile.
  3. Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child - If you're a regular reader here than you've probably picked up on the fact that I'm a big proponent of emotional coaching.  Despite learning about it from early childhood educators and attending presentations on the topic, I've still yet to read the book on it.
  4. The Five Love Languages of Children - I think the premise of this one is fascinating, that kids have specific love languages they're most receptive to and that you can actually figure out which one works best for yours.
  5. Raising Confident Boys - Honestly I don't know anything about this one but I keep seeing it on the shelf of our toddler group library (which is generally a good endorsement) and I find it so intriguing.  There's a lot being said these days about self-esteem and self-worth for girls but I rarely hear mention of the topic specifically related to boys.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Are You Ready to Take the Marriage Challenge?

We say it over and over again...we LOVE iMom and all their great articles and info. for strengthening families. Here is their list for a 30 Day Marriage Challenge! Who's ready to take the challenge?



Click HERE to download. Print this out and put it somewhere you can see it..but DON'T SHOW YOUR HUSBAND! =)

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Spiritual Directory Assistance

I found this on Pinterest and thought that this would be a great printout to keep in a journal!



Click HERE

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

MOPS Leadership Positions

MOPS Leadership Positions:


Here is some more info about each leadership position, and please know I am here to answer any questions, to help encourage you and pray for you.  Being involved in MOPS Leadership over the years has been a huge blessing to me and my family. Below are all the positions that make up our leadership team so you can be learning about them and be in prayer about where God is leading you. 


I heard a GREAT message yesterday that I wanted to include as well. God has given each of us unique gifts to fulfill His purpose. I can't do what God has gifted you with and vice-a-versa. If you get a chance after the kids are in bed I highly recommend you take a listen. This might help God lead you where you need to be.


DISCOVERING AND USING YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFT - PART 1 -Part 3 by Dr. Robert Jeffress
Click HERE


If you are interested in these positions and did not pick up an application at our last meeting and would like one- Please send me an email so I can get an application out to you. 
Bradshaw4@sbcglobal.net


ALL applications need to be turned in to me, Lynn Bradshaw by March 13th (our next MOPS).

MOPS Leadership is a commitment to attend all of the following: 

  • Monthly leadership meetings (these are held in the morning with the option of childcare).
  • 2 MOPS meetings a month
  • 2 Girls' Nights Out
  • MOPS & POPS


Coordinator (must be a regular attender of Olive Knolls):

The Purpose of Coordinating MOPS-
MOPS leadership is based on the principle of teamwork. It requires more than just one person to organize and implement the MOPS experience of planning, meeting and growing together. Working as a team provides a variety of areas for leadership development and creates a spiritual and emotional support network for the women who are leading MOPS.
However, every team needs a leader, a person who is responsible for pulling the variety of ideas and plans together. A MOPS Coordinator offers input and support to the Steering Team and the entire MOPS group. She works closely with her team, providing clear expectations while encouraging resourcefulness and creativity. The purpose of coordinating is not to control, but to guide.
A Coordinator also offers spiritual leadership under the authority of the Chartering Ministry. Her position allows her to disciple the women on her team, keeping them focused on the MOPS goal of bringing women to Christ and encouraging them in their own spiritual lives.
Because the Coordinator is most often the “up-front person” in a MOPS group, her influence will extend past the Steering Team to the women attending MOPS. Perhaps more than anyone else, she has the opportunity to show and tell women that better moms make a better world.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together ... but let us encourage one another.
Hebrews 10:24
Coordinator Job Description
Personal Characteristics:
[ Demonstrates a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Because many women in MOPS may not have committed their lives to Christ, she is in an excellent position to encourage others to make this decision.
[ Displays an accurate and thorough understanding of the MOPS International vision, both as it applies to her group and as it reaches moms around the world.
[ Demonstrates an effective leadership style that is influential in nature, rather than authoritative. She can think strategically to identify expectations and guidelines.
[ Displays an ability to identify strengths in others and encourage women to develop their own talents.
[ Delegates well and enjoys having many women involved in projects.
[ Demonstrates warmth, friendliness and a desire to reachout to other mothers through her sensitivity and supportiveness.
[ Reflects sensitivity, realism, flexibility and humor. [ Communicates effectively, both one-on-one and in front of a group.


Finance (must be a regular attender of Olive Knolls):


The Purpose of MOPS Finance
Well managed finances maximize ministry opportunities within every area of a MOPS group. The Finance Team Leader is responsible for overseeing and tracking income and expenses in a way that is sensitive to every mom.
Like any organization, your MOPS group will need funds in order to operate. You will be responsible for providing certain things, like childcare and refreshments. Your group will also be responsible for meeting financial obligations to MOPS International, and for responsibly reporting your financial activities to your Chartering Ministry.
The budget your Steering Team creates will provide a way to hold leaders and moms accountable to their responsibi-lities within MOPS. At the same time, your gentle approach to financial matters demonstrates your commitment to the MOPS International mission. Finance Team members are often among the first to connect with a mom. The impact of their sensitivity and warmth can set the tone for the group and for the future involvement of each MOPS mom.
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
1 Peter 5:2-3
Finance Team Leader Job Description
Personal characteristics:
Demonstrates a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Because members of her team may not have committed their lives to Christ, she is in an excellent position to encourage each member to make this decision.
Organizes and handles her own finances in a responsible way that demonstrates her reliability in handling funds.
Maturely takes responsibility for management of funds, and enjoys the math and reporting needs of creating and managing a budget.
Shows warmth and acceptance to women from every background, demonstrating discretion about the personal lives of others.
Position Responsibilities:
Suggests a budget for the MOPS ministry based on known costs, anticipated expenditures and expected income. (Adoption of the budget is by the entire Steering Team.)
Serves as a financial liaison with the Chartering Ministry. 
Reports regularly to the Steering Team on the financial status of the MOPS group, identifying shortages and surplus as appropriate.
Establishes a registration procedure for women joining your MOPS group and MOPS International Membership.
Shows sensitivity to the financial needs of each MOPS woman, warmly setting a tone of welcome. She explores the possibility/availability of scholarships for women in the group who cannot afford to attend MOPS.
Meets all financial obligations to MOPS International, includ- ing Charter Renewal and MOPS International Membership registrations, agreed to in the Charter Agreement.
May identify and help organize fundraisers to underwrite group and leader expenses such as Convention attendance.
Serves on the Steering Team and attends meetings.
Disciples her team members and encourages each woman to grow in her relationship to Christ.


Hospitality (must be a regular attender of Olive Knolls):

The Purpose of Hospitality
Mothers of preschoolers are often used to putting the needs of their children before their own, and rarely take the time to nurture themselves. The Hospitality Team sets the tone and offers a pleasant and sustaining environment where the felt needs of a mother are met.
The overall goal of MOPS Hospitality is to create a warm, safe, comfortable and inviting place where a woman can feel accepted among friends by:
[ Creating an atmosphere of welcome as women arrive, making each woman feel glad she came to MOPS.
[ Serving food at MOPS meetings, helping women feel nurtured, facilitating interaction and providing time to relax.
[ Reaching out between MOPS meetings to women and their families, showing that MOPS genuinely cares about moms, not just about their MOPS attendance. This builds deeper relationships, providing more opportunities for sharing the truth of Jesus through lifestyle evangelism.
Simplicity is key. Hospitality doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate to be effective. The goal is to communicate to each woman, “You are special and we care about you.”
Above all, love each other deeply .... Offer hospitality to one another. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:8-10

Hospitality Team Leader Job Description
Personal Characteristics:
[ Demonstrates a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Because members of her team may not have committed their lives to Christ, she is in an excellent position to encourage each member to make this decision.
[ Reflects a warm and friendly personality and demonstrates a caring attitude toward each mother she encounters.
[ Displays a sense of calmness, which is reflected in a smooth, flexible, organized manner.
[ Gifted with a God-given ability to create a welcoming, encouraging atmosphere. She ensures MOPS is appealing and inviting to every mom.
[ Delegates well and enjoys having many women involved in the completion of her team’s responsibilities.
Position Responsibilities:
[ Focuses on the needs of women and arranges the atmosphere of MOPS.
[ Organizes the refreshments at each MOPS meeting, delegating responsibilities to team members and MOPS moms as needed.
[ Assures a warm welcome for every woman who comes to MOPS.
[ Delegates or plans and implements special events, both at MOPS meetings and outside of MOPS.
[ Reaches out to mothers beyond MOPS, organizing help for families and the community.
[ Serves on the Steering Team and attends meetings.
[ Reads the MOPS Handbook and Hospitality Handbook and understands the vision of MOPS International and her relationship to the MOPS group.
[ Disciples her team members and encourages each woman to grow in her relationship to Christ.

Creative Activities (must be a regular attender of Olive Knolls):

The Purpose of Creative Activities
God, the Creator, made us in his image. That means he created us to be creative. During the years of raising young children, mothers of preschoolers hunger for creative oppor- tunities where individuality can be expressed. In this season when sentences are rarely completed, moms enjoy the opportunity to learn a new activity or finish something that becomes a visual aid for their invested efforts.
Creative Activities:
[ Provide opportunities to learn or develop creative skills and complete projects in a non-threatening, friendly atmosphere.
[ Provide alternative areas of creativity and learning a mother may not otherwise explore.
[ Provide time for women to socialize and get to know other MOPS moms in an unstructured setting.
[ Initially attracts some women to MOPS because of their interest in Creative Activities.
The Creative Activities Team Leader encourages mothers of preschoolers, especially those women on her team, by showing them that they can do or learn an activity, can create and can enjoy the process of completing something.
We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10
Creative Activities Job Description
Personal Characteristics:
[ Demonstrates a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Members of her team may not have committed their lives to Christ, so she is in an excellent position to encourage each member to make this decision.
[ Possesses a special God-given creative ability that can be an encouragement to others and will bring new ideas for developing creativity.
[ Leads in a dedicated, flexible, patient and creative way, recognizing and planning for different levels of ability and interest in Creative Activities.
[ Organizes with a sense of humor. These two gifts together will help her prepare her team for the many details of each Creative Activity, from planning to dealing with the unexpected surprises.
[ Delegates well and enjoys having many women involved in the completion of her team’s responsibilities.
Organizes materials, instructions, demonstrators and samples of each Creative Activity before the MOPS meeting. She plans within the time and budget limits of her group, and understands the needed skills for each activity.
[ Recognizes women who enjoy Creative Activities and provides opportunities for their growth.
[ Appropriately utilizes the ideas and abilities of each team member, wisely delegating responsibility.
[ Teaches skills and activities effectively, inspiring MOPS women to develop their skills in creative projects and encouraging women who do not feel particularly successful in this area.
[ Arranges for guest demonstrators and experts to visit MOPS to share various skills or other activities.
[ Serves on the Steering Team and attends meetings.
[ Reads the MOPS Handbook and Creative Activities Handbook and understands the vision of MOPS and her relationship to the MOPS group.
[ Disciples her team members and encourages each woman to grow in her relationship to Christ.
DGL Team Leader:  Is required to lead DGL Meetings once a month. She is also responsible to attend the Steering meeting as well. 

Discussion Group Team Leader Job Description
Personal Characteristics:
[ Demonstrates a growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
[ Shows sensitivity to and an understanding of the needs of mothers of preschoolers.
[ Demonstrates an ability to effectively work with small groups.
[ Understands the basics of small group dynamics and knows how to share them with the Discussion Group Leaders.
[ Shows warmth and acceptance to women from every background, demonstrating discretion about the personal lives of others.
[ Shares her testimony comfortably with others on appropriate occasions and knows how to lead another to Christ.

The Purpose of Discussion Groups
Discussion Groups are caring and sharing units focused on development and reinforcement of the teaching at a MOPS meeting. A woman can be guided and encouraged through these small groups to look at her involvement in the needs of her family, her involvement with her own needs and those of others and her need to be involved with Christ.
Discussion Groups:
[ Provide a sensitive, accepting climate in which the women feel free to share their thoughts and feelings.
[ Provide an essential “connecting” place where the women develop a sense of belonging and experience the opportunity to develop significant relationships.

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one’s friends springs from their earnest counsel.
Proverbs 27:9
[ Provide an accepting atmosphere where a woman is gently challenged to examine her relationship with Christ and encouraged to make a commitment to him—the ultimate goal of the MOPS ministry.
The Discussion Group Team Leader is involved with setting the tone for honest sharing and for participation of all the women. She guides the Discussion Group Leaders, who are the “front line” of women reaching out to each mom who attends MOPS. Her contagious appreciation of each woman’s contribution helps promote open sharing. Her priority is to direct women into helpful, practical discussion in which each woman can take part.



DGL (Discussion Group Leader): 
The Purpose of a DGL (Discussion Group Leader)
DGLs are caring and sharing units focused on development and reinforcement of the teaching at a MOPS meeting. A woman can be guided and encouraged through these small groups to look at her involvement in the needs of her family, her involvement with her own needs and those of others and her need to be involved with Christ.
DGLs:
[ Provide a sensitive, accepting climate in which the women feel free to share their thoughts and feelings.
[ Provide an essential “connecting” place where the women develop a sense of belonging and experience the opportunity to develop significant relationships.
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one’s friends springs from their earnest counsel.
Proverbs 27:9
[ Provide an accepting atmosphere where a woman is gently challenged to examine her relationship with Christ and encouraged to make a commitment to him—the ultimate goal of the MOPS ministry.
The Discussion Group Team Leader is involved with setting the tone for honest sharing and for participation of all the women. She guides the Discussion Group Leaders, who are the “front line” of women reaching out to each mom who attends MOPS. Her contagious appreciation of each woman’s contribution helps promote open sharing. Her priority is to direct women into helpful, practical discussion in which each woman can take part.
DGL- Job Description
Personal Characteristics:
[ Demonstrates a growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
[ Shows sensitivity to and an understanding of the needs of mothers of preschoolers.
[ Demonstrates an ability to effectively work with small groups.
[ Understands the basics of small group dynamics and knows how to share them with the Discussion Group Leaders.
[ Shows warmth and acceptance to women from every background, demonstrating discretion about the personal lives of others.
[ Shares her testimony comfortably with others on appropriate occasions and knows how to lead another to Christ.
Thank HIM



Thank you again Lisa for sharing your Grandma with us today. Her wisdom and heart for Jesus was such a blessing. I know God had her come to speak for a reason. If you would like more info on Alanon and how it could help your family or someone you may know please visit their website. Info. below:




Al-Anon Logo
Visit their website to fine out you can 
  • Find a meeting
  • Answers to- How do you know if you have been affected by someone's problem drinking
  • Answers to- How can I help my problem drinker to quit drinking
  • And Much more!

Ephesians 3:16
16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.