Randy on Marriage

We had the privilege of hearing Pastor Randy speak to us this morning about marriage.  For those of you that missed it, or just would like a refresher, here are some notes:

Col 3:12
Two things are true about each woman in MOPS:
       1.  You are exquisitely loved by God.  You are so valued, that He gave up His Son for you.
       2.  Some of you are discouraged or in pain.  We must be careful, for our pain will drive us from God.

Imagine that our emotions fill up a bucket.  But wait, that bucket has holes in it.  Our emotions are seeping out of this bucket and we can quickly be on empty if we're not careful.  The three most common things that create gaping holes in our bucket are:  Money, Stress and Fatigue.
We must spend more time filling up our bucket, so that everything doesn't spill out and leave us empty.  We can do this by having encouraging friends and fellowship (like MOPS), but mostly by having daily devotionals and time with God.

We are unable to fill up our bucket on our own.  

Phil 3:3
Back in the day, the #1 commodity for families was money.  Men and women would take better jobs, even if it meant time away from their families, to make more money.  They figured that making more money would help sustain their family and thus keep everyone happy.  However, people began realizing that there is something more important than money... time.  So, people began turning down the high paying jobs, so that they would have more time for their families every day.  Now, we are realizing that perhaps the #1 commodity isn't money OR time, but rather Energy.  You can't do anything with time or money if you're too tired.
What if spiritual energy became physical energy?  What if God filled our bucket up spiritually, and we were better for it all around?

Marriage is a covenant created by God.  A covenant is an exchange of behavior.  It means 3 things:
1. This deal is permanent
2. The other partner comes first
3. The #1 goal is to glorify God

Are you frustrated by having to perform your husband's roll?  Do you feel like you're pulling him up a hill?  Do you feel like you are the head of your house?
At the same time- Are you so frustrated by your husband's actions (or lack of action), that you are neglecting your OWN spiritual growth?

Heb 10:22
The closer you get to God, the cleaner you will be.
Pray with your husband out loud and confess to one another and God.

1 John 2:28
The closer you get to God, the more confident you will be.

Psalms 25:14
The closer you get to God, the more you are aware of your relationship with Him and with your husband.
The World will try to destroy your covenant with your husband and with the Lord.

Num 25
Immorality will always lead to idolatry.
Do not allow your life or bucket to get so empty, that your children have to clean up your messes.

Isaiah 42:4
Disappointment and pain will lead you to spiritual growth.

Imagine a straight line.  You are on one end, and God wants you to be on the other end.  He wants you to simply walk the line to get from where you are, to where He wants you to be.  It is painful and scary for you to go from one end to the other... especially if your husband is not leading.  So, instead of walking that straight line from "here" to "there", we decide to take our own course.  We take the following steps to eventually get "there":
1. Denial-  "God, I do enough already... I tithe, I go to Sunday School, I work in the nursery... isn't that enough?"
2.  Resistance-  You offer options to God.  I'll do this instead of that.  "Instead of doing what you want me to do, I'll just tithe an extra 5%".  Because that is easier to do than what He's asking you to do.  Because that'll keep you cozy in "here" and you wont have to go "there".  But if you stay "here", then nothing changes.  You do not grow, and everyone suffers.
3.  Exploration-  You begin to consider "there".  Your heart and mind become opened to the idea that maybe this might be good.
4.  Acceptance-  Finally!  You realize God was right to begin with and "there" is better than "here" every was or could be.

In marriage, when your husband says you have to go from "here" to "there", if it's from God, you MUST come to acceptance.  He was called by God to be the head of your house.

Some questions to think about:
-  In your marriage, do you notice a pattern or cycle that brings you down?
-  Which do you desire more:  God or His blessings?
-  Can you live apart from God's grace?

Momology Challenge

Let the Mompetition begin! 

Susan Budd came up with a wonderful idea this year- It's a group vs group competition to gain the most points in an effort to get to know each other better and bond as a group.  But wait, there's more... the winners of this Mompetition get a fabulous prize- a date night with your hubby on April 29, with FREE babysitting provided by the steering group.  Praise Jesus!  Who couldn't use a night off?!

Here's how the game works:
- Each challenge will require an organizer that is in charge or organizing, scheduling, attending and recording the event details.  This organizer will be awarded 10 BONUS points, but may only receive bonus points for ONE event.  So it's probably best to allow each member of the group to organize an event.

- You may choose general and monthly themed ideas to earn points for your group.  Have ideas approved by Susan by contacting her HERE.

General Challenge Ideas: 
10 points + 1 point for each participant  
Each idea must be unique- the group may not do the same thing twice.

- Organize a group outing- lunch, playdate, MOPS mom's night out, etc.  At least 1/3 of the group must participate to receive group points.

- Do something as a group at a MOPS meeting- wear PJ's, wear matching shirts, do something funny as a group.  The ENTIRE group must participate for this to count and you will only receive points for ONE item per meeting... no repeats, and bringing food doesn't count.

Monthly Challenge Ideas: 
20 points + 1 point for each participant
Do one project as a group outside of MOPS.  At least 1/3 of your group must participate and the activity MUST follow the monthly theme.

- January- Shepherding a Child's Heart-  Do a group service activity with the kids
examples:  Visit a nursing home, pick up trash, make care packs, etc...

**THIS CHALLENGE IS EXTENDED THROUGH FEBRUARY DUE TO SNOW**

- February- Your Marriage Relationship-  Do a group activity that will enhance your marriage
examples:  Bible study on marriage, watch a relationship-based movie, etc...

- March-  Beauty Inside and Out-  Do a group activity that demonstrates beauty inside and out
examples: Serving a shut-in, Bible study, helping others, etc...

- April-  Family Relationships- Do a group activity that enhances family relationships... may be your family, someone else's family or your church family!
examples:  an activity with Dad's and kids, serving the choir/orchestra dinner between Easter musical performances (contact Kathy Porter), etc... 

I know we've got some seriously competitive mom's at MOPS, and it's great fun for everyone to participate!  As Stephanie Cannon said today, "I don't care what the prize is... It could be a Tootsie Roll for all I care... But I WANT IT!  We have to win!"  So, as you can see, the Red Hott Divas are ready to kick some butt!  But the question is... is YOUR group going to bring it?!

Angel Bell Craft

Here's a fun little Christmas craft...
Start by reading the story of Mary (Luke 1:26-56).
Explain that angels are special messengers sent by God.

You need:
A styrofoam cup
magic markers
jingle bell
ribbon
white paper
glue (hot glue works well)

Turn the cup upside down. Carefully draw a face on one side of the cup. Thread a pice of ribbon on the jingle bell. Punch a small hole in the bottom of the cup. Poke the ribbon through the hole and tie a large knot. loop another piece of ribbon and glue it to the back of the cup (think a carrying loop). Cut out angel wings and glue them over the attached part of the ribbon (where you glued the loop). Hang your angel bell from the loop.

Ring the bell and tell the world that Jesus is coming!

OCC Shoe Boxes - SHIPPED!

I just wanted to thank you ladies for being SO GENEROUS in giving! With your help, we packed and SHIPPED 70 boxes this year! What an amazing amount! With the cost of the goodies that went inside added to the $7 per box shipping it cost @ $900 to do those 70 boxes! How AWESOME!

Thank you thank you thank you!
There are 70 children out there that will be touched this Christmas because of your generosity!

Mom's Night Out!

The only thing better than a Thanksgiving meal is not having to cook it!
Join us at Copper River (in front of Chuck E Cheese on Haywood) for our Mom's Feast

Monday, November 15th at 7:00-Dutch treat.
This will be the last MNO event until after the new year.
Don't miss it!!

Operation Christmas Child

Each year we fill shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. This is our BIGGEST service project each year!
Last year we filled and shipped 50 boxes! To know that 50 children around the world were blessed by your generosity is an incredible feeling.
Well, this year we have "upped-the-anty"...we are aiming to fill and ship 70 boxes!
Your Discussion Group Leaders have a list of the goodies your small group is providing for the boxes. Most of those are already turned in waiting for the 4&5 year olds to pack away into the boxes. What we need know is money to ship those boxes.
Samaritan's Purse asks $7 to ship each box. So you do the math...70 x $7 = $490!
OUCH! I have the utmost faith that God will provide!
I ask you to pray about what you can give...
We will be collecting money the next 2 meetings to ship those boxes.
If you write a check make it to Samaritan's Purse.

Thanks girls!
Let's make this Christmas something special for 70 kids!
Michelle

MOPPET Blessing

Welcome to

Jonas Jorge Avesani
Born 9/28/2010
at 11:24am
3.7 lbs and 15 3/4 in long
Small but healthy!

God is good!

Congratulations to Mauricio and Nicole.
Marco is the Big brother!