Tuesday, November 22, 2016

November Meeting Recap


The theme of this month's meeting was KINDNESS. We heard about guilt and frustration in our devotional and from our guest speaker, and focused on the steps we can take to be kinder to our children and to ourselves. Even in our craft this month, we practiced the kindness of acknowledging all that we are thankful for. Hopefully MOPS made everybody's list!

Craft: Thankful Trees



Devotional: 

Emily shared some thoughts using Titus 2:4 as a jumping-off point : "They should encourage the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children." It struck her that the Bible tells us that we will need encouragement - some translations say training - to love our children. This can take away some of the guilt we can feel for not automatically loving our children perfectly. It also, Emily said, makes her so thankful to have the Ministry of MOPS and the experienced moms and Mentor Moms we have here. She reminded us of Galations 6:9 :"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Guest Speaker: Jan Gropp


Ms. Jan wanted to be sure that we all understood that we are not alone when we feel frustration and anger toward our children, nor when we feel guilt after those feelings have boiled over. Often, she said, we are not prepared for the sacrifice that is motherhood, but certain principles can help keep us from losing our cool. Here are some of these principles: 

  • It's important to pick our battles with our children, focusing on maybe 2 or 3 at a time. She mentioned the books Dare to Discipline and The Strong-Willed Child, both by Dr. James Dobson, as helpful resources. 
  • We all need to set boundaries with our children and to differentiate between childish irresponsibility and willful disobedience, because these would need to be handled differently.
  • We want to shape our child's will, not crush their spirit. Ephesians 6:4 says, "do not provoke your children to anger," but "bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord." 
  • Good planning often disarms confrontation.
  • It takes maturity to deal with the often thankless nature of motherhood, but God does not forget our sacrifices and our service.
  • Our first and highest honor is to serve our children and help them become the gifts to the world God made them to be.
  • Prayer helps. Pray without ceasing!
  • When you mess up, don't carry that guilt around. Jesus offers forgiveness. You can come and admit your frustration and leave your guilt at the cross. 



Monday, November 14, 2016

Mom Fail Monday, Vol. 7

The bad news? I missed "Mom Fail Monday" last week. The good news? We have not one, not two, but THREE mom fails to highlight today. Don't forget, when moms make mistakes, it only makes their families stronger. 


Margaret and the Mysterious Fruit Flies

Where were all the fruit flies in her house coming from, wondered Margaret. She was baffled- until she came across the display she had so lovingly displayed in her formal living room (you know, the room no one actually uses...)



Congratulations, Margaret! I certify this an OFFICIAL MOPS MOM FAIL! (Or human fail, as you yourself pointed out.)

Jen and the Absolutely Appalling Menu Option

The caption pretty much sums it up. 

CHICKEN??? I specifically asked for chocolate ice cream served upon a bed of cotton candy. How dare you, mom.

Heather and the Escape Artist

This kid is no joke, y'all! A mom goes to the bathroom and comes back to find she almost has a Baby Jessica situation on her hands. I second your conclusion, Heather. He's gotta join you in the bathroom with you until he's at least twelve. 


Congratulations, Heather! I certify this an OFFICIAL MOPS MOM FAIL!


Keep the Mom Fails coming! Find me on the MOPS Facebook page or email me at jpray1010@gmail.com.