Anderson MOPS: February Meeting Recap

February is often defined by the mid-month holiday of love, and so we used Valentine's Day as our inspiration for our February meeting. Instead of the "man panel" that we have hosted in the past, this year we decided to do something different and invited three couples to share with us their wisdom on marriage and parenting. If you missed it, here are the highlights!

Service Project

We packaged up party supplies to donate to Safe Harbor, an organization that provides "a continuum of services for victims of domestic violence and their children" and works to "eliminate cultural acceptance of domestic violence through a coordinated community response, prevention and education." Women using Safe Harbor's services will be able to use these party packs to celebrate birthdays and other important events.

Upcoming Events and Important Announcements

Upstate Kids consignment sale is is March 16-18. We need donations, including baby equipment, toys, strollers, furniture, breast pumps, etc. Clothing donations must be spring/summer and in GREAT CONDITION! Hangers are also appreciated.
Date change for April Meeting: April 6th (1st Thursday) due to Spring Break

Couples Panel

Mark and Shawna Asbell

Married 16 years
Three children ages 14, 13, and 8
On Discipline: The book Creative Correction was a huge help; It's important that the punishment should correlate with the behavioral issue.
On Parenting in General: Remember that the Lord is sovereign, and always ask Jesus to take the wheel.
On Marriage: Don't be afraid to ask a professional for help. Counseling can be just what a marriage needs!

Don and Linda Janke

Married 31 years
Seven children ages 27, 23, 18, 16, 6, 5, and 4
On Discipline: Model repentant behavior for your children, and choose what behaviors and values to expose them to, because they will imitate what they see and hear.
On Parenting in General: We aren't always going to get it right. God gives us the freedom to fail.
On Marriage: It is important that both spouses feel valued in their roles. Communication and time to connect are key.

Wayne and Jan Gropp

Married 45 years
Two children ages 43 and 42
On Discipline: Sometimes you need to give yourselves a break, and give them a break before you can address a problem. That cooling-off period can be important to staying calm.
On Parenting in General: Your job is to prepare them for life, not to protect them from life.
On Marriage: Marriage retreats can be a great way to stay connected and keep Jesus in the forefront of your marriage.