tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26583014075907718042024-03-12T17:11:48.812-07:00Parkway Baptist ChurchConnect with God... Connect with MomsParkway MOPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977526316543021479noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658301407590771804.post-65802112463060748282013-11-01T13:45:00.001-07:002013-11-01T13:47:14.261-07:00Connect to someone
<br />
Today we had a MOPS meeting. Thank goodness. Our topic was Avoiding
Mothering Comparisons, which is a very important topic and hits most of us
right in the heart. This type of topic tends to open us up to other types of
comparison.<br />
<br />
It just so happened that in our small group today we had a women who was
born and raised in another country. She has married an American and was sharing
her story of coming to the US and her impression of it. <br />
<br />
She was excited and nervous coming to America. Her friends tried to put her
at ease; she would be in a Christian community. She had some hurdles of her own
to get over from being in a new country and needing to learn everything at
once. It was stressful and hard, but she was managing slowly and difficultly. She
relayed stories of where she had to start and how difficult it was, on so many
levels to be where she was, when she, but knowing this is where God needed her
to be. <br />
<br />
She talked of things that she liked in both countries, but she made some
unsettling observations. One of which has been napping me. It was the lack or
loss of a human connection. In her country, she is surrounded by her family,
friends, and church community. People visit, help, and support you. They know
what is going on with you they connect on a level that we may have lost. They
don't need to be asked to help. They just do it. She felt this gaping hole when
she was here and hearing her speak about it I feel it, too. <br />
<br />
We are taught to be independent. To grow up leave home and go out into the
world. We are taught to use computers and text message. We are using online
banking, emailing customer support, and direct depositing our offering. We are
becoming more technologically savvy and we are losing our "Care
Connection" to other people. <br />
<br />
Sure, we all care about those starving kids in Africa and the people sold
into slavery, but do we talk to our neighbors. Do we know their names or any of
their stories? Would we be willing to help someone who didn't ask for it? Or
would we be willing to ask for help? <br />
<br />
People are willing to Scream for help after it has gotten too much for them
to bear or they are so desperate because they can't handle it on their own.
Have we lost those moments that we know a friend is sick and we make them soup?
Or send them a card? Have we called someone lately just to hear their voice to
let them know they are not alone? <br />
<br />
Even in a Christian Community we seem stand off-ish and want to stay in our
"Circle of Trust". We are who we are because of the relationships we
build. We grow because of what we experience, not just learn. We are social
people we need to connect on a level deeper than texting and FB chatting. We
have the need to Care about other people. When we choose not to or cannot fulfill
that need we will fill it with some "Thing" else. We are lost and we
need help to find our way. <br />
<br />
I am in this boat, but have made efforts to fix it. With my neighbors: I
share food, make things for them, and help to shovel snow. I don't want to be
floating in this ocean all by myself and I don't want my children to feel like
that is what they are meant to do. Remember you are a teacher. You are
responsible for helping to shape and care for children that are meant to carry
on the teachings. Let's give them the most we can- let's give them lifelong
friends, social skills, and a caring conscience for all of mankind. <br />
<br />
<br />
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hebrews 10:25</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let
us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
Parkway MOPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977526316543021479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658301407590771804.post-85659226748439445512013-09-27T14:54:00.005-07:002013-09-27T14:54:58.141-07:00Controlling Your Emotions
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";">Do you ever make a mess for yourself
by losing control?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know the days
where you didn't sleep well, no one else did either, little things just start to
bug you, then all of a sudden <span style="color: red;"><strong>BOOM!</strong></span> You're yelling, screaming and completely over
reacting. You don't care who sees, because you can't see past your emotions. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There
are four different reactions types when dealing with your emotions</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";">1. Exploders Who Blames Others</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";"> - "My kids just pushed me over
the edge. Why do they have to be so loud when I am trying to finish dinner. I
just need five more minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";">2. Exploders Who Shames Themselves</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";">- "The sale price didn't ring
up right on your coffee. That was it the checker was incompetent and you told
them all about it. While others watched." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";">3. Stuffers Who Build Barriers</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";">- "Say your fine when you really
are not then you shut down communication."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";">4. Stuffers Who Collects Retaliation Rocks</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";">- collecting "proof" while
pretending everything is fine. "Taking offense when some gets you a diet
Soda instead of regular, because you think, that they think you are out of
shape." Seeing things that are no there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";">After looking at this list, I am
sure you have found yourself in one or more of these situations and reactions.
There might be one or two that are your M.O. when dealing with your
emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is hard to take responsibility
when we are in the moment and feel you need to react. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";">Once you target where you are when
you start to feel like you're going to lose control you can better deal with
the emotional repercussions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 128;">1. Take a breath and a
pause</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";">. Are you
going to address the issue or just explode? If your addressing the issue then
go ahead. If you are going to explode take a longer pause. Some situation will
just take longer to address. This is not a race it is life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 128;">2. Get perspective.</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";"> if this is the worst thing that
happens to me today it is still a pretty good day. Take a moment is this the
worst thing that could happen. More than likely "No".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 128;">3. Stop pretending,
keep communication open</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";">.
No one is getting anywhere if they don't know there is an issue or won't
address it. Set up clear boundaries to help you feel comfortable and keep
communication open to grow your relationships. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 128;">4. Prove it.</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Are you trying to Prove or Improve your relationship. You can't do both.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";">Take a minute now think <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>about how you usually react to situations.
Then decide how you might change that the next time you are in that position.
It will help you be more comfortable with the outcome knowing that you took the
time to improve the situation. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will also help to give your kids cues on
how control their emotions, which let's face can make a world of difference in
our emotional state. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">Even imperfect
progress is still progress. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; border-color: rgb(98, 85, 57) currentColor currentColor; border-style: solid none none; border-width: 1.5pt medium medium; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; border: currentColor; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid #625539 1.5pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; padding: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+8%3A7&version=ESV"><span style="color: #17365d; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">2 Corinthians 8:7</span></a></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">But as you excel in everything—in
faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see
that you excel in this act of grace also.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Parkway MOPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977526316543021479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658301407590771804.post-46141902371612604132013-09-01T18:44:00.000-07:002013-09-01T18:44:46.192-07:00A Beautiful Mess Starting September 6, 2013 <span style="font-family: Calibri;">It's September and our first meeting is Friday! Yes, Friday
Sept 6, 2013! I hope you're ready because it should be an interesting
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This year's theme is A Beautiful Mess. Ephesians 2:10
"For we are God's Masterpiece. He has created us a new in Christ Jesus, so
we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every day I am sure
you struggle with everything that should be done, needs to be done, and what actually
gets done. Whether it is on a personal level, family, domestic level (cleaning
that bathroom), or spiritual level. We all struggle with the everyday messes.
The things that we may just feel embarrassed by. Our ponytail hair style, lack
of make-up, or love of yoga pants when we go to the grocery store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, I know, I am there too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We tend to focus on the mom or family that has it all
together. That don't seem to have any messes just the beautiful part. Here is a
little secret; we all have a mess somewhere, some of us keep it hidden very
well, but there are things that we would like to or need to change about
ourselves. </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This year we are going to take a look at the beauty. These
"messes" teach us<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>there is
something beautiful in every mess. It could be a lesson we learned, a friend we
made, or a God Moment. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This a time to just
let go and be yourself. We don't mind if you wear your yoga pants, don't fix
your hair, and we don't care if your house is clean. </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are excited to start this year with old and new friends.
If you would like the theme book for this year is "The Artist's Daughter:
A Memoir" by Alexandra Kuykendall . You are encouraged to read the book. </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">See you soon. </span></div>
Parkway MOPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977526316543021479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658301407590771804.post-42709777600260535202013-03-02T17:45:00.005-08:002013-03-02T17:45:40.540-08:00Lana H- Crime Fighter <br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Growing in knowledge and faith in the Lord is one of the
most important things to Lana. She wants to lead her children Matthew (10),
Nathan (10), and Megan (3) in the same path while living a well balanced life.
She enjoys healthy food like Raisin Nut Bran or Multi Grain Cheerios.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She loves her husband David, but it drives
her crazy when he picks at and eats part of dinner while she is making it. </span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKYr-lhMMu6Ac6tSabUeofCelQuY5DG5S_sJ0h-Ug6bD-4rzxUpsXy-4GHQenRJr1K95uSDeGkDt0fgzEhUPFmOaBnzXPVBq8F905KAQ6uOdLTNg6RRqY1QoPZkg_GCnq9RGz1A5yuS4/s1600/Lana+H.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKYr-lhMMu6Ac6tSabUeofCelQuY5DG5S_sJ0h-Ug6bD-4rzxUpsXy-4GHQenRJr1K95uSDeGkDt0fgzEhUPFmOaBnzXPVBq8F905KAQ6uOdLTNg6RRqY1QoPZkg_GCnq9RGz1A5yuS4/s1600/Lana+H.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She journals about her kids life, the place they've been,
how they reacted,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>what they saw, and
sentimental prayers. She loves being a wife and mother, but wishes she could
remove insecurities of strangers, guns, and evil everywhere. At sixteen she was
invited to help the police. Her crime fighting started (and ended) by going to
Illinois to purchase cigarettes in an effort to find out how many places carded
her and a friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Her advice best bit of Mommy Advice came from a fellow Mom
of twins when Lana was pregnant with her boys. "Remember, you were a
family before your children. You aren't starting a family, you are adding to
your family. You are still a daughter, sister, aunt, granddaughter , friend,
etc." Then <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she directed to the book
"Baby Wise" that supports that thinking and has good ways to keep a
routine for feeding and sleeping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When she needs a Mommy Time out she spends some time on her
couch when it is cold outside or on her porch swing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her family likes to hike together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The chore that she does not like is cleaning
bathrooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>loves listening to music to help recharge after
a long day."How Great Thou Art" by Carrie Underwood at Opryland and
other praise songs bring her closer to the Father through His Spirit.</span></div>
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<a href="http://youtu.be/nhvaDJTUmrU">http://youtu.be/nhvaDJTUmrU</a></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If she had one wish she would<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>like to live and travel around the world. She
would love to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>observe and live with
other people in different countries. </span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Parkway MOPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977526316543021479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658301407590771804.post-69177076410029668202013-02-27T12:37:00.000-08:002013-02-27T12:37:57.767-08:00 Hello, Karen H.<br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of our hostess with the mostest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Karen was born and raised in St. Louis. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has two beautiful daughters Julia (2) and
Hannah (8 months) and John, her husband. She dreamed of becoming a
ballerina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dancing around with two
daughters might not be exactly what she dreamt, but it makes her days
interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92J4ieW2zprEP2wM_equzzJZe9Yf6792ThYGmtgepJEGyZNkcjr7WfkJxTbtxQUPcnbKBzYJpnWy1et_4ZpmbZXrhFnBMSk5_waqHl-ERWdQ7uLReSagIzCbTBgt1Hc8YGicxGvrc14A/s1600/k+har.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92J4ieW2zprEP2wM_equzzJZe9Yf6792ThYGmtgepJEGyZNkcjr7WfkJxTbtxQUPcnbKBzYJpnWy1et_4ZpmbZXrhFnBMSk5_waqHl-ERWdQ7uLReSagIzCbTBgt1Hc8YGicxGvrc14A/s1600/k+har.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Faith, Family and cooking/ baking are the most important
things in her life. She enjoys making her own hot coco mix to enjoy. She can
enjoy it with Cinnamon Oat Crunch is her favorite cereal. </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She loves to make a mess of her kitchen to recharge after a
long day, if only she didn't have to clean up afterwards. Surprise, her least
favorite chore dishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She likes to go
on walks with her family as you could tell since she walks to most of our meetings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She confesses she is a pack rat. </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When she needs a time out she will spend it in the kitchen
or in the shower (hopefully uninterrupted). Karen knows she is loved, was born
to serve, and prays that she can<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>serve
and love well in return. She wants<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>her
children to know women are worth much more than their looks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Best bit of advice she would give is:
"we are all human, forgive!" </span></div>
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</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></span></v:shapetype><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Her favorite
sound is the crackle of a warm fire. She could sit back and enjoy Pride and
Prejudice (book or movie version) or listen to "God Bless the Broken Road,
More Life in my Day, and Smell the Color 9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Really bad puns tickle her funny bone. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTrwFBLD4YMQjjS2Hrp_L0Ph0oxsETEtFOvksy39fkvyU9HItDM4S_Avjm-bL-f7RAjVdX_h5rCDRskGpu_FNxdZA1MsE942x_E0P2TQgeygf5bB7FHIdP8_7XCsNUzYkk5uZ-X3OwGY/s1600/humerus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTrwFBLD4YMQjjS2Hrp_L0Ph0oxsETEtFOvksy39fkvyU9HItDM4S_Avjm-bL-f7RAjVdX_h5rCDRskGpu_FNxdZA1MsE942x_E0P2TQgeygf5bB7FHIdP8_7XCsNUzYkk5uZ-X3OwGY/s1600/humerus.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<v:shape alt="Funny Bone" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/216313588322238255/" id="Picture_x0020_1" o:button="t" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 90.95pt; margin-left: 175.6pt; margin-top: 36.1pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 193.05pt; z-index: -1;" type="#_x0000_t75"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><v:imagedata o:title="Funny Bone" src="file:///C:\Users\Petersen\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"></v:imagedata></span></v:shape><br />Parkway MOPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977526316543021479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658301407590771804.post-62654800753083199602013-02-15T11:04:00.003-08:002013-02-15T11:04:10.689-08:00Introducing Emily
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Emily is extremely competitive, a procrastinator, but
always manages to keep her house clean so it is ready for any visitors to pop
in at anytime<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I think that last one might be a wish.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Adriel is her husband. They have two adorable daughters
Eliana (3 years old) and Noelia (1 year old). Her faith, family, and cause in
life are the three most important things to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her favorite sounds are songs being sung to
the Lord and complete silence in her house. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSv1zoFQiRv8w4gsq8gaoGSM05LXqoq9YgL-xsdRap_l6DjhjXIvUqrf44l-9-RAC7EJWBEbM2AO26ehi03edJF92uOfiv_8RIN4vvnTMGsXUIsWWSJf75nP_iCT2_TJowAQg9RKUZTB8/s1600/A+Ramierez+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSv1zoFQiRv8w4gsq8gaoGSM05LXqoq9YgL-xsdRap_l6DjhjXIvUqrf44l-9-RAC7EJWBEbM2AO26ehi03edJF92uOfiv_8RIN4vvnTMGsXUIsWWSJf75nP_iCT2_TJowAQg9RKUZTB8/s1600/A+Ramierez+034.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Cream of wheat is the way she likes to start her days.
Unless, it is a Saturday morning then she shares a Big breakfast with her
family. She loves the smell of cinnamon, wonder if she makes cinnamon rolls. If
she gets time she may spend some time with Anne of Green Gables or hold a
perfect head stand for 2 minutes (just because she can).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She would like to change the worldly push to be
self-focused, to make the world a better place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To make her own world a little better you can go over and do her
dishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is her least favorite chore,
because they never end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please, don't
interrupt her it's her pet peeve. However, she is aware interrupting is one of
her greatest faults.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Create a routine, not a schedule is best advice she
would give another Mommy. Her Mommy time out spot is the bathroom. At the end
of a busy day running the Moppets, she likes to sit on the couch with her
husband and eat caramels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They may
re-tell each other funny memories to laugh with each other. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Parkway MOPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977526316543021479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658301407590771804.post-75211391682745089592013-02-08T14:51:00.001-08:002013-02-08T14:51:30.332-08:00Meet Tracy N. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9jpciCcYrisxiaRW3SXC_viZd0Eht50JNRMG6zQP7PNB1i4ZrvS1ywL44yOC9O94PWpnmGBeq56ZN2Oqw7qu33o2Fq8dVQFRpGkpfEe6MSjg5LhTJuPNx11qQhIi1iNMoLGCwjo-6HE/s1600/Tracy+N.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9jpciCcYrisxiaRW3SXC_viZd0Eht50JNRMG6zQP7PNB1i4ZrvS1ywL44yOC9O94PWpnmGBeq56ZN2Oqw7qu33o2Fq8dVQFRpGkpfEe6MSjg5LhTJuPNx11qQhIi1iNMoLGCwjo-6HE/s1600/Tracy+N.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
There once was a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>girl
named Tracy N. She was born a little while ago in St. Louis , Missouri.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had dreams of growing up to be a doctor
or a scientist who would discover a cure for cancer and AIDS. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Along the way, she met a handsome man named Scott.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had so much to love that they decided to
make the love multiply and had three children; Kara (4), Brendan (3) and Ella
(7 months) have added love and chaos to their lives, along with Riley the cat. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Now, she starts her mornings enjoying her Honey Nut Cheerios
as she contemplates how to change the world so her children don't get hurt.<span style="color: #c00000;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she
is interrupted by whining which makes her blood pressure raise. All of a sudden,
she hears her baby Belly Laugh and she giggles along with her, as her other
kids act silly and slap happy. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Maybe tonight she won't need to put herself in a Mommy Time
out in the bath tub with bubbles while enjoying chocolates. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her greatest tool from her Mommy Experience is
to whisper at her children to get them to listen. It is easier said than done, but
with practice it is very effective. As everyone settles down she thinks back on
how fun being 22 years old was and how wonderful it is to be a Cancer Survivor
of almost 12 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She loves the smell
of snow and can't wait for early spring. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Oh No! She still has laundry to put away, but scrapbooking <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or watching Miss Congeniality would be more
fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, she resigns herself to do work
before fun. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Whatever You Do"
starts to play on the radio making her least favorite chore not so bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then she starts Dance Party when she hears "Just
Another Day in Paradise".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
With a family trip to the zoo planned for tomorrow; she
remembers how she use to do gymnastics and then coach for 14 years. Wow, how
life has changed! As her day comes to an end, she thinks about the most
important things in her life: god, her family, and sleep. With all the blessing
she enjoys everyday her one wish is to get a full night's sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Parkway MOPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977526316543021479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658301407590771804.post-70700946650965824762013-02-06T12:34:00.003-08:002013-02-06T12:39:15.585-08:00Valentine BanquetFebruary 15, 2013 - 6:00pm until 8:30 pm<br />
<br />
Looking for an inexpensive night out?<br />
$15/couple inlcudes catered meal and entertainment!<br />
Business casual dress.<br />
<br />
Onsite chilcare is provided for $7/child (You can bring dinner for your child or they eat before they arrive.)<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Please let Kristi know if you or someone you
know is interested in attending. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Registration is open until Monday February 11. <o:p></o:p></div>
Parkway MOPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977526316543021479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658301407590771804.post-41941491644987294412013-02-06T12:11:00.003-08:002013-02-06T12:11:58.514-08:00Because Two People Fell In Love...
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">Do you ever think about where your
life may be in 1 year, 5 years, 10 years, 20 years, or 25 years? I know the
days are long and it can be difficult to see where you are going tomorrow , but
just try to envision yourself in the future. What will you be doing, how has your
family changed, and how do you feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
see your children grow, go to school, graduate, and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>move out of the house; as you enjoy a full
night's sleep and do that list of things that you have been waiting until the
kids were older. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">Are you sharing this with future
with anyone else? Maybe your spouse? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">We are all at different points
in our lives with our families where there is more focus on our children than
on our selves or relationship with our spouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How did this family start? "Because Two People Fell In Love."
This is one of my favorite quotes, it is so simple and true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of this would be here if it wasn't <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for you two, the foundation for this family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To keep your family strong you need keep your
foundation strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">But how do you do that? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">Make it a priority. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">Connect at moments where it is
just the two of you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be something
simple like just sitting and talking with each other after the kids have gone
to bed. Going together to drop someone off at an activity or running eerons
together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">Find time that you can go out
on a date. You could trade of babysitting with a friend to save money on a
sitter. Remember dates don't need to be in the evenings. They could be in the middle
of the day or morning whatever you can make work best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">Look back on what you two did
in the beginning of your relationship, how did it all start? Revisit some of
the activities you did before: long walks, candle light dinners, board games,
and whatever else there may have been. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">Then try something new. You
have both changed in countless ways even if you haven't noticed, yet. There is
such a focus on children after you have them that you may have a new interest that
you have put on the backburner. Give it a whirl. I am sure your spouse has some
things they would like to try. Be open you like you were when you started dating.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">The closer you are the more
intimate you want to be. Don't forget to take trips to "Funky-Town" <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>even if you are not in the mood. Sometimes you
just need to go to get the spark going to get the fire burning again. This can
be a win-win for any relationship. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">These are all steps to start
taking now, because in 10-15 years your kids are going to be grown and
hopefully moving out of the house to start their lives. Then who is left...
those two people who fell in love, but if they are not careful it could be two
strangers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">So make time to take care of
your family's foundation to help your family be stronger. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">Philippians 2:2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">make my joy complete
by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent
on one purpose</span>.</span></i></div>
Parkway MOPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977526316543021479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658301407590771804.post-13953794698103693212013-01-10T13:58:00.002-08:002013-01-10T13:58:16.655-08:00New Year 2013...10 days in
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Berylium; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What... no really.. I kid you
not. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Berylium; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I have just gotten over the "Holiday Rush", got through the
clean up and putting away just in time for some New Year Eve being in bed
before Midnight, and the restart of school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was silly enough to think I would get a break. I crack myself up
sometimes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Berylium; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I have not made New Year Resolutions for a long time basically
because they don't mean much to me. I find it easiest to break promises to myself
then to anyone else. It is a little crazy, but so true. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Berylium; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For this blog I was going to include some New Year Blog entries that
I had found. After reading them I have decided that we need a challenge not a
resolution. We need to make changes that matter that will effect more than just
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Berylium; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I challenge you
to surprise a neighbor/friend/parent with a dinner invitation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Berylium; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I challenge you
to take time to refresh your soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Berylium; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I challenge you to
plan 1 meal a week for your family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Berylium; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I challenge you
to start a Christmas Jar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Berylium; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I challenge you
to do something for yourself and NOT feel guilty. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Berylium; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I challenge you
to laugh more often.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Berylium; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I challenge you
to notice something New in your daily routine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Berylium; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I challenge you
to help your kids get more involved with the family: plan a meal, help cook,
clean, plan a family day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Berylium; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I challenge you
to Stop take a Breath and Open your Eyes on the days you feel like you CAN'T. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Berylium; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I challenge you
to Try Something New. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Berylium; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I challenge you
to Give a little more to help. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Berylium; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I challenge you
to get to Know Yourself a little better. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Berylium; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I challenge you
to Challenge Someone to do something Wonderful! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Berylium; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Berylium; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Some of these look easy and some more difficult, but they are open. They
are open to possibilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are open
to living a fuller life if you are up for the challenge. The will help you grow,
your family grow, your friends grow, and maybe even people you haven't met
yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have learned that little things
can make the biggest changes even if we don't see the final result.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Berylium; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">May your year be full! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Berylium; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Berylium; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Berylium; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Berylium; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A31&version=ESV"><span style="color: blue;">Genesis
1:31</span></a><span class="note2"><b><span style="mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"> </span></span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Berylium; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Berylium;">And God saw everything that he had made,
and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the
sixth day. </span><br />
Parkway MOPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977526316543021479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658301407590771804.post-6648211252302102712012-11-25T18:37:00.002-08:002012-11-25T18:37:23.958-08:00Thankful for you...
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Thankful for you...</strong> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So I have been gone for awhile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went adrift with Halloween and Thanksgiving.
I am still trying to find my bearings. Now, it is really Fall it is crisp
outside. Now until January I will be concerning myself with the next event, meeting,
activity, what gifts to get, where to get them, how much to spend, where we are
spending the holiday and what we will do. It can be so stressful and I never
think it should be. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For Thanksgiving or
rather the month of November I have been keeping track of what I am thankful
for. It seems like a small thing, but it has helped me to be less stressed. When
I think of what I am thankful for it makes me realize how blessed I am. Which
is something that we don't focus enough on. We<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>live in a society that we focus comparing our haves with others. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have been trying to focus on non-material possession, but rather
attributes or things we take for granted. What makes who are we and how we see
the world. This excerise has make the me realize the things I take for granted
like indoor plumbing, hot water, clean drinking water, and modern medicine.
Boy, life would be so different if we didn't have these things. Look around the
world there are people who survive without these and their lives can be and are
much more difficult. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have come to appreciate my family even more. While growing
up there were many times I didn't want to be where I was. As time moves on and
I see my children grow I realize how great my childhood was and wonder if my
children will feel the same or how different. I laugh about how silly my parents
were like when my mom would make silly faces as she dropped my at the
babysitter. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My sibling that seemed to
make my life so hard when I was younger but now it's so much fun just to hang
out with them.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then there are those things that you notice about yourself being
comfortable in your own skin, how your life choices have made you who you are,
or the confidence in believing and having faith. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is what I need to focus on; how to be me.
It is so easy for me to find the best in others, but I don't take the time to
look at myself. With everyday life<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
allow myself to take a backseat in almost everyone because I think they are
more important. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is not how it should be. We are important in so many
ways and to many people. Be important to yourself. Take time to do devotional,
pray, and have conversations with God to help you discover who you are and the
path you should be on to grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We never
stop learning and growing unless we allow ourselves to. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Be thankful for you. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div>
Parkway MOPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977526316543021479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658301407590771804.post-58127168647467660582012-10-15T13:14:00.004-07:002012-10-15T13:14:50.211-07:00
<strong>Favorite Things</strong> <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Take a minute to think about your favorite
thing(s).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine what it is like to
enjoy a treat without sharing, your favorite book, taking time for a special
beauty trick, or putting on your comfy clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just imagining it makes you feel better doesn't it. It gives you warm fuzzies
and great memories. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We all need these moments and things to helps us
recharge, remember who we are, who we were, and focus on the best things and
events in our lives. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spend so much
time making sure other people (big and small) are happy that we tend to forget
about ourselves. Sometimes it is the smallest things that bring us back from the
edge of craziness. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does not have to
be<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a day at the spa, a personal vacation
or a new wardrobe to make us feel special. We are special and we deserve moments
to treat ourselves to something even if it seems small to someone else. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know that the smallest thing can bring the
biggest joy, just look at our children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Recently, I was lucky enough to hear about other
mothers favorite things and the best part they were all under $5.00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me just tell you, you are worth more than
that, but it is an easy amount to fit into our budgets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The things ranged from treats just for us,
cupcakes/cakes to share, beauty trick for soft hands, clean hands, books, card
games, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>healthy easy treats for kids, stain
removers, photo albums, and comfy cozy clothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So what is your favorite thing(s)? Is it is budget friendly?
Do you think a friend of yours would enjoy it? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Take some time to find your favorite thing, write a
note to share why it is your it is special or makes you feel special then give
it<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to a friend. There is no need to wait
for a special occasion to celebrate your friendship. This is a chance to share your
joy with someone else and a chance to show someone <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that they are special and deserve to take a
moment to enjoy their favorite thing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Parkway MOPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977526316543021479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658301407590771804.post-49157041099851901652012-09-21T14:02:00.001-07:002012-09-21T14:02:26.566-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Rhythm! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have lost
it more often than I like to admit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
always have the best plans for the day. I visualize how the day will be before
I get out of bed. Believe me it will perfect everything is finished, the kids
are happy, and I feel like Super Mom! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then
reality hits me like a 4 year old who wants breakfast. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">We start with a slow beat of getting breakfast,
cleaning up, getting dressed. We walk through the plan together as we list all
the things we(I) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>want to get done. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is on board and almost ready to go if
someone would just put their shoes <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a brief intermission we are on our
way...at which point<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reevaluate my
list of "To Dos", <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>going from
20 to the top 5 knowing that we will only get 2 or 3 of them done. By the end
of stop 2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we are ready to head home. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may not seem like it but that is a rhythm .
I know how the beat goes even if it <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>means
I don't get to accomplish everything I planned. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Some keep the rhythm by having meals planned, chore
lists, family fun time, or Mommy time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You need to find what works best for you and your family everyone is
different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can get caught up with how
other people live their lives that we lose focus on our own. There is no reason
to compete with other mothers, unless there is a super fantastic prize that
someone didn't tell me about.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">When we allow ourselves to compete with the
unknown "perfect" mom we can start to feel down and alone. We can
feel like no one understands our struggles of feeling like we never get anything
done, we don't have prefect kids, and how did we ever become a mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do we deserve it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can we do it? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now, there is a mom who is going though
this. She just needs someone to reach out to her. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Let's <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>connect<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with other Moms and not compete</span>. We all lose
our rhythm and need a restart. We can find support not only for ourselves, but
our families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It gives everyone a chance
to take a break from the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>daily routines
and focus on finding their own rhythm. It can give you an opportunity to start
new friendships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can talk to someone
and have them talk back. Wow, an adult conversation -in the middle of the day.
Seize the opportunity if you see a Mom and connect with her. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
Parkway MOPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977526316543021479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658301407590771804.post-15508841906227967582012-09-17T15:00:00.000-07:002012-09-17T15:00:09.272-07:00
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: Byington; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">Special Event!!!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Byington; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">September 21,
2012<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(This Friday Night!!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<strong><u><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Byington; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/425736454128317/"><b><u><span style="color: #3b5998;">Steve Richard
Concert and Christian Family Night at the Race Track</span></u></b></a><o:p></o:p></span></u></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Byington; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Come join us at Tri-City
Speedway for a concert from Steve Richard, fun for the kids with a bounce
house, face painting. a slot car race and fun games Then stay and watch some
great car racing! .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Byington; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">All of this is a part of Parkway Baptist Church's Global
Impact Celebration and <u>children under 12 ARE FREE</u>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Byington; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Concert starts at 5:30</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Byington; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">(gates
open at 5:00pm)</span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Byington; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></b><strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: Byington; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Byington; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Tickets
are $10 and must be purchased in advance through the church office. </span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Byington; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><span style="color: #073763;">Call 314-434-2310<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Byington; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Come for the concert and stay for the races (6:30pm) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it will be an exciting night for everyone in
the family. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Byington; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Byington; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Byington; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"></span></span> </div>
Parkway MOPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977526316543021479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658301407590771804.post-39871707242934507502012-09-14T13:04:00.003-07:002012-09-15T07:14:46.050-07:00Come in. The water is great!<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We had our first meeting of the year. </span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCU2_chmS2nhxU_-1BlVyihEsBNKUrJW_MLZnNPcKon-WGS-2j2_zkRzNP2KLbM_4tDihNv6t5SKDm26ryUjLoq6SHXmq3OYuf3ORGuGbQE8am-fBcqCT9d2zpwGX3mOe_i0W63w8LoM/s1600/9+4+12+meeting+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCU2_chmS2nhxU_-1BlVyihEsBNKUrJW_MLZnNPcKon-WGS-2j2_zkRzNP2KLbM_4tDihNv6t5SKDm26ryUjLoq6SHXmq3OYuf3ORGuGbQE8am-fBcqCT9d2zpwGX3mOe_i0W63w8LoM/s320/9+4+12+meeting+8.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Finding new and fun ways to help Moms. Popcorn Questions.</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>meet new moms, returning moms, new babies, and
caught up with everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><strong>Thanks to everyone that attended.</strong> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">We got to know our leaders for the year and each other through a BINGO Ice Breaker. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Everyone was out of their seats talking,
laughing, and having <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a super time. Then we
made smoothies, which was a great opportunity to try something new. </span></span></div>
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; height: 159px; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left; width: 361px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6QPXr6fJKYuROqlKya48RlW_0vOQbb9rjR7N9MCAreGVlGKhfWA-uoexEBUepOBjUCGwRM5T3I2VXjdpzFAZz0y1_E6TnPqkG48-UcmQilegZyTLyMzSW-SGVhpJGZFHVE8h6JP25xo/s1600/9+4+12+meeting+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6QPXr6fJKYuROqlKya48RlW_0vOQbb9rjR7N9MCAreGVlGKhfWA-uoexEBUepOBjUCGwRM5T3I2VXjdpzFAZz0y1_E6TnPqkG48-UcmQilegZyTLyMzSW-SGVhpJGZFHVE8h6JP25xo/s200/9+4+12+meeting+7.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">You did what!??!!?! Everyone has a few surprises! </span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHi5JcE5ursWCEK1qLtooqaUCPiDES55WVQ0ThcENpTLkjCFVk8YTfSvB1-9IQi_8dSKc5IEXAx0cmsSVeJIVd_YCzySIROhBW0DMRwgTgWoPF-ZRb_lZ42RvELGqtWvbnjGw-Q7CpAo/s1600/9+4+12+meeting+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHi5JcE5ursWCEK1qLtooqaUCPiDES55WVQ0ThcENpTLkjCFVk8YTfSvB1-9IQi_8dSKc5IEXAx0cmsSVeJIVd_YCzySIROhBW0DMRwgTgWoPF-ZRb_lZ42RvELGqtWvbnjGw-Q7CpAo/s200/9+4+12+meeting+4.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Smoothie Time! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></strong><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We meet again next week!!!</span></strong> </span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you didn't make to the first meeting don't
worry we would love to meet you next week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow;">Give
us a call at <u>314<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">-434-2310</span></strong></u></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>if you are planning to attend so we
can have childcare ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Yes, it is a kid free time!</b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: blue;">Time for
Mommies to recharge and get focused on what makes them great women.</span></em> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_uRaBETfZctBBu-VsNgWgXzAvTcrio4paCu00LRxJEZjHVo-G2chdfIx73ungEIgVLeL40Yonyi3ZWXtW57KLgVm_FVkXUE4NuY1gRIfp25TkrQSoOYB2tzAyQe4FL4qD54XckhzdPA/s1600/9+4+12+meeting+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_uRaBETfZctBBu-VsNgWgXzAvTcrio4paCu00LRxJEZjHVo-G2chdfIx73ungEIgVLeL40Yonyi3ZWXtW57KLgVm_FVkXUE4NuY1gRIfp25TkrQSoOYB2tzAyQe4FL4qD54XckhzdPA/s320/9+4+12+meeting+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Come see how MOPS and MOMSNext can change <u>you</u> for the better.</span></strong> </div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wednesday Evening Meeting <span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>Friday
Morning Meeting </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">September 19 at 6:30 pm<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>September
21 at 9:00am<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Parkway MOPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977526316543021479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658301407590771804.post-2305025144837337872012-09-02T15:31:00.001-07:002012-09-02T15:31:05.871-07:00Summer is over time to take the Plunge into MOPS and MOPSnext.<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><span style="color: black;">Hope everyone had a great summer !</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmsezX_0DXUE66qYAyNE7VAIXZgXO5T_0aqJii-WtVrw-78dWjCs4vbWOAT58rkQgEggv_M_hxkMQ5ZaOKahGsYZuOPuELN7hXCSm4II-ZDSScTjNb7nvZgZyjswJ2qsKD3JymC9MzK0/s1600/100_5354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmsezX_0DXUE66qYAyNE7VAIXZgXO5T_0aqJii-WtVrw-78dWjCs4vbWOAT58rkQgEggv_M_hxkMQ5ZaOKahGsYZuOPuELN7hXCSm4II-ZDSScTjNb7nvZgZyjswJ2qsKD3JymC9MzK0/s200/100_5354.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for a picnic.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvEt4jeBohmNAsK_POZkWPupTYlefp-Xpn6s_dGlsDEKacE_CVsmVQ2j1z_ed1hXMV6G4ePYdn7rKaZtWXg7gY8IKzzME-QeqxrchXy07DGE6aVVbyjU5CuAkYiY1nULIPgskKyoh1Mc/s1600/IMG_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvEt4jeBohmNAsK_POZkWPupTYlefp-Xpn6s_dGlsDEKacE_CVsmVQ2j1z_ed1hXMV6G4ePYdn7rKaZtWXg7gY8IKzzME-QeqxrchXy07DGE6aVVbyjU5CuAkYiY1nULIPgskKyoh1Mc/s200/IMG_0222.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resting at the Butterfly House.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjIH0obKszO33A9pfnuRF6jE1U6GxjkRtjHslyUJ12NEgF2lAaXvp8Ls2y-o7HquPMpIPuQdUas2QTfiKcn1ABihbXljwACPEmGBodtAV8TlwLnEhXqjm6EhWvunP5e9SgzDL1s68A5c/s1600/100_5363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjIH0obKszO33A9pfnuRF6jE1U6GxjkRtjHslyUJ12NEgF2lAaXvp8Ls2y-o7HquPMpIPuQdUas2QTfiKcn1ABihbXljwACPEmGBodtAV8TlwLnEhXqjm6EhWvunP5e9SgzDL1s68A5c/s200/100_5363.JPG" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying a great day at Creve Coeur.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 16.5pt; line-height: 115%;">We had some MOPS outings this summer to the Botanical Gardens, Creve
Coeur Splash pad, Aquaport, Butterfly House, and a few Moms Night Outs.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 16.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> It was
a great time and we are looking forward to even more fun this year. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uwjz0wqR9YyCxwt9yNtrgKkuQTEzDv5o-gEDMrFqSv-h3fDB-SwwJUazzxti72nK1hqE6Kaio2MUjYzPwpDhS4EY7m9Fk2UYNA1RdM6ixxdwmf17cZINbSvkqeK_DJUcoTe_eMbPgdo/s1600/100_5353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uwjz0wqR9YyCxwt9yNtrgKkuQTEzDv5o-gEDMrFqSv-h3fDB-SwwJUazzxti72nK1hqE6Kaio2MUjYzPwpDhS4EY7m9Fk2UYNA1RdM6ixxdwmf17cZINbSvkqeK_DJUcoTe_eMbPgdo/s200/100_5353.JPG" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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Fun with furry Friends. </div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 16.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Our first meeting of the year is <strong>Friday September 7 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at 9am</strong>. If you haven't let anyone know you are
planning to attend <strong>please call 314-434-2310.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwo1PLac4hFKB9ZMPBwe8793BkAKaMhwGQUPVP2pxzVDMjpR5zy4Cq-hIjosv2KfnOZeUEcKG3SrQOyjcuFZVhNp6LdCspiPkCS4L-rB8GZOZTNVE_HJVC3MVLvVdHDQp9gkN3JE4RTEs/s1600/IMG_0235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwo1PLac4hFKB9ZMPBwe8793BkAKaMhwGQUPVP2pxzVDMjpR5zy4Cq-hIjosv2KfnOZeUEcKG3SrQOyjcuFZVhNp6LdCspiPkCS4L-rB8GZOZTNVE_HJVC3MVLvVdHDQp9gkN3JE4RTEs/s200/IMG_0235.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bugs anyone?!?!?!</td></tr>
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</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 16.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Then get ready to Plunge into a new MOPS and MOPS Next year. </span><br />
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</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 16.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Get ready to explore your relationships in a faith and community.
We are ready to see old friends and meet new ones. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 16.5pt; line-height: 115%;">As all Moms know you can’t
do this alone and we are here to help and support each other. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlMBqwIxhKy3g1znXZE_Jmx5eVTcxsX2TjFJoAsuQOpuM3MnySPxojIQkTxrB74o3SEI5gl9WWkZhm0Zuf1ceiFEa2bsp90KlruhAPQnhGJxqJuboNSeaTDQLkLIcLgDcIRXQddVSiTg/s1600/DSCF0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlMBqwIxhKy3g1znXZE_Jmx5eVTcxsX2TjFJoAsuQOpuM3MnySPxojIQkTxrB74o3SEI5gl9WWkZhm0Zuf1ceiFEa2bsp90KlruhAPQnhGJxqJuboNSeaTDQLkLIcLgDcIRXQddVSiTg/s200/DSCF0220.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Botanical Gardens day.</td></tr>
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</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 16.5pt; line-height: 115%;">The more the merrier invite more moms to join MOPS. If you have
someone who is interested invite them to come to a couple meetings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9y3g8kOzaPtOQaQJg8CNtjIq7RPoJUzRWSpgGOqHAPgv-Epqjg4XfFAb1wDUt1IJRzl4XLA5oawf8An5eS2PqBaNSO-zN5swzQVN11DqoQmP58aTjt26-FZ688lV8DMTyaTiIJjf4NQk/s1600/MOPS-Plunge-logo-with-verse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9y3g8kOzaPtOQaQJg8CNtjIq7RPoJUzRWSpgGOqHAPgv-Epqjg4XfFAb1wDUt1IJRzl4XLA5oawf8An5eS2PqBaNSO-zN5swzQVN11DqoQmP58aTjt26-FZ688lV8DMTyaTiIJjf4NQk/s320/MOPS-Plunge-logo-with-verse.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 16.5pt; line-height: 115%;">TAKE THE PLUNGE !!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Don't worry we won't let you sink. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<img height="53" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uwjz0wqR9YyCxwt9yNtrgKkuQTEzDv5o-gEDMrFqSv-h3fDB-SwwJUazzxti72nK1hqE6Kaio2MUjYzPwpDhS4EY7m9Fk2UYNA1RdM6ixxdwmf17cZINbSvkqeK_DJUcoTe_eMbPgdo/s200/100_5353.JPG" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 534px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 577px;" width="96" />Parkway MOPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977526316543021479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658301407590771804.post-2445241547971419152012-03-25T14:30:00.001-07:002012-03-25T14:32:05.481-07:00Easter Recipes<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Many of you have probably heard of both resurrection cookies and rolls. But in case you haven't here are links to recipes for both.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The resurrection cookies are really meringue cookies which are naturally hollow after baking, so they are like the empty tomb! Note that they will need to stay in the oven overnight, so plan accordingly. <a href="http://recipes.kaboose.com/easter-story-cookies.html">Click here for the recipe and related scriptures.</a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Resurrection rolls are similar, but can me baked and eaten the same day. It's fast and simple enough that I do it every Easter Sunday in class with my kindergarten Sunday School students. Do you know what happens when you bake a marshmallow inside a crescent roll? You are right if you said that the marshmallow "disappears", creating another empty tomb of sorts.<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/resurrection-rolls/"> The recipe can be found here. </a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I found this on the Rhode's Dough site "...<i>Marshmallow - the body of Jesus Melted Butter - the oils for embalming Cinnamon/Sugar mixture - spices used to anoint the body Roll- the wrapping of Jesus' body Oven - the tomb Cavity in roll - the empty tomb after Jesus has rise." </i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Remember, there will be no meeting this week March 30 (5th Friday) or on <i></i>April 6 due to Good Friday. I'll miss you guys, so someone plan a playdate/outing, OK? That's too long to go without seeing one another!</div>Parkway MOPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977526316543021479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658301407590771804.post-63100992375989083352012-03-16T10:59:00.002-07:002012-03-16T14:10:17.424-07:00Spring Fever<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It seems like the winter that wasn't may have passed and now it's time to really get outside and enjoy God's creation. (Or as one member put it "Operation Exhaust Child So He/She Will Nap!") Our group and Parkway Baptist both have lots of great things coming up on the calendar. Take a moment now to write them down so you won't forget!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Welcome to new members Molly, Melissa, and Patricia. We are excited to have you join our group.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For those who missed today, Becky Lazalier of KS Counseling shared some ideas to help us practice more Godly parenting. A few big take-away ideas:</div><ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li>Your child's behavior isn't a reflection of your self-worth. They are their own people and contrary to what we may feel, most of the time they don't do what they do to embarrass or frustrate us.</li>
<li>Every parent brings emotional baggage to the family. Do you see your not-so flattering behaviors reflected in your child? Take care changing you first, then work on your child.</li>
<li>Love is more than just kindness. It is also desiring and helping to bring out the best in someone.</li>
<li>It's not our job to protect our children from every hardship. Difficult experiences help them learn to rely on God.</li>
<li>Above all, do your children know you love God? How does He apply in your daily life? Remember, this is more than church attendance, Awana, Bible studies......</li>
<li>Check out the following passages: Proverbs 3:1-8; Ecclesiastics 3:1-8; <span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">Deuteronomy 11: 18-21; </span>Ephesians 6:1-4. </li>
</ul><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Additional reading recommended by Becky:<i> Love and Logic</i> by Foster Cline & Jim Fay and <i>Personal Growth: Inside Out </i>by Larry Crab.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">One off topic reminder - if you left a dish at the Latall's home recently, check the MOPS closet. For those of with children home this coming week, enjoy the time off! Looking forward to seeing many of you next Thursday and Friday. I'll bring my camera, but someone remind me to actually take some photos!</div>Parkway MOPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977526316543021479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658301407590771804.post-45377597852056671572012-01-24T09:27:00.000-08:002012-01-24T09:28:52.265-08:00A New Year at MOPS<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here we are at the end of January already! We have had some fun times in MOPS this month, as well as some serious discussion about our heart health. In our first meeting of the new year we heard from Ellen Abramson about heart health. She shared her personal story of turning a heart attack into an opportunity to help others and gave us some very good information on heart health and warning signs of concern. She has written a book titled "Live to Dance". </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In our second meeting for January we heard from Delana Mazdra about photography. She gave us some great tips to help us take great photos at home of our sweet little ones! She gave us much to remember, but if you missed it, the biggest lesson I can pass along is, turn off your flash and use as much natural light as possible! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our next meeting will be about Love Languages. (What else could be better for the month of Love!) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will leave you with this last thought... As we talked about photography in our last meeting, we talked about leaving pictures for your children that they could look back on with sweet memories of their childhood. Each picture tells a story, evokes an emotion, a memory. As we think about how our children will remember their childhood, let's remember that God tells us in Deuteronomy 4:8-10 to teach our children His word, that they may learn to fear Him and then they will teach their children as well. The things we teach our children now will have an affect on generations to come after us, and what better could we leave to them than God's love!?! </span>Parkway MOPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977526316543021479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658301407590771804.post-22581206531423276092012-01-05T09:40:00.000-08:002012-01-05T09:43:57.541-08:00Finding Direction<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This morning as I was coming home from dropping the kids off at preschool, the traffic report came on the radio. As I listened to the person rattling off locations, I thought about where they were, and I could picture most of the places in my mind. I thought back to a year ago, when my family first moved to St. Louis, and I remembered how terrible it felt to have NO CLUE where I was at most of the time. I never knew if I was going east or west, north or south, and I hated that feeling. I like to have a sense of direction. I like to know if I'm looking north, south, east or west. I don't know why; it just really bugs me if I don't know. And today as I was driving I felt peaceful knowing that I knew my direction. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started thinking about my direction in life, and a year ago, I was not only frustrated that I had no sense of direction in terms of physical location, but I was also very unsettled with my direction spiritually. My life as I knew it was turning upside down with so many changes, and things I thought God had planned for me and my family were not His plan at all. I'm sure many of you have experienced this in life as well. Maybe you are going through this right now. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This lack of spiritual direction was not as easily fixed as my problem of not knowing where I was physically. There were a lot of tears, a lot of struggles with God, and a lot of hours spent reading His word. But I finally found my direction in this new journey He has sent me on, and there is a lot more peace now that I am trusting in God to guide my days ahead. The road has not been perfect, and I have not been without fault, but knowing my direction makes life so much more peaceful. It makes the little hiccups less dramatic, and it grounds me in those hard times. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being a wife and a mother brings so much joy, but it is not an easy task. If you've ever read Proverbs 31, you know that the virtuous woman God calls us to be requires a lot of time and energy, and it's easy to get lost in the laundry and the lullaby's, but realizing that God has a direction for our live's as a women of God will go a long way in making us better at that highest calling He has placed on our life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you haven't already, I hope that in this new year, you will seek God's direction for your own life. He tells us in Isaiah 55:6 to "Seek the Lord while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near." He has a purpose and direction for each of us... All we have to do is seek Him. If you know God's direction for your life, don't stop being faithful. The devil is always right there, waiting to pull you off course, get you down. Be encouraged that others around you want to see God succeed in your life, and find friends that you can pray with, read scripture with, share with in the good, the bad, and the ugly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And let's as a MOPS group, remember to encourage one another, be there for one another, and help each other on this journey of motherhood and life!</span>Parkway MOPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977526316543021479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658301407590771804.post-33224612026907084292011-11-20T12:41:00.000-08:002011-11-20T12:56:40.179-08:00Oh How Time Flies...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can not believe we are a few days from Thanksgiving! I am ashamed to see the last time the blog was updated! Life can get overwhelmingly busy at times, and as fellow moms I'm sure you can relate to my scatter-brained nature along with a constant running to do list that only gets longer! </span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyhow, lots of exciting things have been happening in our MOPS group. We enjoyed a wonderful picnic, fun in our MOPS meetings, and a movie night! I know everyone's schedule doesn't always coordinate, but when you can we love to have everyone be a part of our events, especially those that take place outside of our scheduled Friday meetings. We have welcomed some new faces to our meetings as well, and I'm so glad God has brought you guys to our group! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd also like to thank all of you who participated in Operation Christmas Child! It is such a wonderful cause that really makes a difference in lives around the world. If you weren't able to participate in this (I almost missed out myself, turning in my boxes last minute!), I would like to encourage you to look for other opportunities, many right here in our own city, to donate time, money, or gifts during the holiday season. It's such a wonderful way to share the real meaning of Christmas with those who need to hear. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But with the mention of Christmas, let's not forget about Thanksgiving... that poor holiday that so many want to rush past just to get to the most wonderful time of the year! Over the last week my kids have been doing many crafts centered around Turkey Day. One of our crafts focused on writing things we are thankful for. It was very comical to hear what little minds come up with during an exercise like that one! But it made me think of all the things I am thankful for as well, from the big to the small. I would like to challenge all of you during this busy week to find a few moments to think about all the blessings God has given you during this year. Maybe you can even take a few minutes to write those things down and post them somewhere you can read it everyday. I pray that you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I look forward to seeing each of you very soon! We have lots of fun stuff planned for December, and you can always check the blog for all the info you'll need on upcoming events. HAPPY THANKSGIVING! </span></div>Parkway MOPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977526316543021479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658301407590771804.post-44709485448792980002011-10-15T08:36:00.000-07:002011-10-15T08:36:11.764-07:00The Latest in MOPS News<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Saturday girls! So many exciting things have been going on with our MOPS group lately! First, I'd like to say I was so happy to see that our last meeting brought out several new moms, and I hope all of you who attended got a chance to meet them. We have been looking and praying for childcare workers in order to allow more moms to join in on the fellowship, and God has begun to meet that need! We are so grateful for those who have given their time to allow us moms a time to fellowship and grow in Christ. We can always use more childcare workers, so continue to keep your ears open if you hear of anyone who would be available for that task. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a great meeting on the 7th, which included great omelets, and a neat craft Kristi provided for us. Everyone had a great time visiting with one another and getting a break from the busy week! For those of you who weren't able to be there, we missed you and hope to see you next Friday! We have a great meeting planned as we continue talking about listening to our Momsense and making sensible decisions for our kids and family. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, remember, Friday is not the only time you can visit with your MOPS friends...We have lot of Mom activities on the calendar, and our first of the year was kicked off at Pastries of Denmark. We had a good turnout, and I know everyone who made it out would like to thank Becka for picking such a yummy place to eat! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keep a look out on our blog and in your newsletters for more events and outings coming soon.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have a great weekend girls! See you soon!</span><div><br />
</div></div>Parkway MOPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977526316543021479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658301407590771804.post-18835465701986360732011-10-15T08:09:00.000-07:002011-10-15T08:09:04.361-07:00Don't loose the Memories in the Madness!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life is so hectic, and some days it feels like I am in my own version of Groundhog Day. Any of you ever seen that movie? Where the guy wakes up and repeats the same day over and over and over and over and, well you get it. That's how I feel sometimes... I pick up a mess, just to turn around and pick it up again. I wash clothes just to have to wash them again. I wash dishes, turn around and the sink is full again! One day after my husband and I put the kids to bed we came back downstairs and sat at the bottom of the stairs and looked around at the mess. And I said just that, "look at this mess!" Feeling very tired, and already knowing I wasn't going to be able to do another thing that night, I just sat staring around the room. As we sat in silence for a moment something changed, and I started seeing everything in a whole new light. Tears came to my eyes, as I began to tell my husband, "You know what, this room is a mess, but it's our life." I went on to point out things in the room... The cars on the floor that brought to me an image of my son's happy face as he raced them earlier in the day. The food smeared on the table reminded me of the silly conversations we had over dinner that night. My husbands shoes abandoned by the door made me smile as I could still hear the kids laughter and cheers in my mind as their daddy came home from work. There were so many things that I saw when I looked around the room that second time, and none of them made me think, "this is a mess." All I felt at that moment was gratitude. Gratitude for the sweet family I have been blessed with, and the time I've been given to spend with them each day (no matter how chaotic). I thought about how quickly these first few years of motherhood have gone by, and I know that one day I will wake up to a calm, quiet house that is very tidy and organized because my babies will be grown. But I will always hang on to these moments with them, and I will cherish this mess, for in it our memories are made.</span>Parkway MOPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977526316543021479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658301407590771804.post-52282213699077196002011-09-15T17:00:00.000-07:002011-09-30T06:14:23.582-07:00A Higher Calling...<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US">First I want to say, what a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">WONDERFUL</span> morning at MOPS! For those of you who couldn't make it this morning, we REALLY missed you and hope you are doing well. In our meeting this morning we watched video and discussed Momsense and how the author of the book describes it as a combination of mother's intuition and common sense. We discussed how much or how little "momsense" we feel we have and how we can gain more. Every family is different and there is no universal instruction manual on how to raise kids or keep a home. But there is a place we can all go to find the personalized answers each of us needs every day, and that is into the arms of our wonderful Heavenly Father. I loved the verse that was quoted on today's video from James 1:5-6. It states, "</span><span lang="en-US">But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and</span><span lang="en-US"> </span><span lang="en-US">without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind." None of us have all the answers. But God does, and if we ask He is more than willing to give us the wisdom that we need. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US">When I left MOPS today I, just like many of you, had a list of things in my head that needed to be done. A song was on the radio by Royal Tailor, and as they sang the words, "can you hold me together, cause without you I'm holding my heart, I'm falling apart" </span><span lang="en-US"> I thought, "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lord, that is DEFINITELY my prayer!</span>" </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEzas-F_aKA">(If you have time, you can listen by clicking here)</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US"> I came home to banana on the floor, dishes in the sink, a busted cooler pack in my son's lunch box, and laundry that needed to be tended to before the weekend. Oh, and I needed to call Carter's gymnastics teacher, start tagging my items for the consignment, and with this chilly weather, put away all the fall clothes my husband brought up from the basement. This was just the beginning of my to-do list. But in the middle of my to do list my thoughts were swirling, and God was speaking. I had to get these words out before I could focus on any of my other tasks. Life is always so busy, and from the moment we wake to the time our heads hit the pillow life is full of choices, to-do's and sheer chaos some days. Sadly, some days I feel like I struggle to find time to spend with the One who gave me the day. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US">But every time I make time,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">God always shows up</span> and gives me just what I need for the day. There are many ways to get quiet time with God during a busy day, it just requires a little creativity. Prayer can be done anywhere at anytime, and devotionals can be purchased on C.D.s which you could listen to while folding laundry. You can pop in a praise C.D. while you're doing dishes or cleaning the floors. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we truly seek His wisdom, He will give it to us. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">God wants us to succeed at this motherhood thing!</span> </span>And in order for us to be the mother's God wants us to be, we must first be the woman God wants us to be. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we spend time with God, He will show us how to be patient with that strong-willed toddler. He will give us wisdom to better manage our time and get the most important things done everyday. But even more so, He will open our eyes to opportunities to share Him with our kids, to see the teachable moments in everyday life. From the moment our children are born we tell them that we love them. We should also tell them God loves them. Let them see Him in us, so that they too can grow to be the people and possibly the parents that God wants each of them to be one day. What a burden on us mothers, huh?!?! But when we give it all to God, and ask Him for wisdom in the small things and the big things, what reward we will find waiting on us at the end. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Proverbs 31:28-31 </span>gives us a picture of a Godly, hardworking mother who is praised by her children, her husband, and all those who know her. The road may not be easy, but if we keep the finish line in focus, and look to God every step of the way, we CAN be the mothers He wants us to be, and the mothers our children need us to be. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>Parkway MOPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17977526316543021479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658301407590771804.post-89881219547166496522011-09-09T16:58:00.000-07:002011-09-09T16:58:36.252-07:00Discovering Your Momsense<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welcome to Parkway Baptist Church MOPS blog! We are so excited about this year's MOPS theme: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Momsense</span>! I am sure that just like myself, many of you moms out there, have read parenting articles and books devoted to helping us be better mothers and raise more well behaved children. Some days with preschoolers can feel like a life-time when little Susie spills milk all down her shirt just before you walk out the door, or little Johnny giggles in the other room where you find him drawing a beautiful picture all over the wall. Some days I have found myself wondering, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Am I the only one going through this?"</span> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After joining a MOPS group and confiding in other moms I quickly found that I wasn't alone. There ARE other kids out there that color on walls and refuse to eat their peas no matter how many airplane noises I make! Whew! Our MOPS meetings give us all a time to visit with other mothers, enjoying a breather from the busyness of motherhood and all that comes with it. More importantly though, MOPS gives us a time to meet with other mothers and gain spiritual strength from God's word and one another. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Being a mom is the hardest job we will ever have.</span> And from the moment you hold your little one in your arms (and sometimes before then) there are always people ready with advice and words of wisdom on how to care for them. This year's theme will help us learn to tune into our own God given common sense as mothers, our momsense! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are new to MOPS or would like more information, I encourage you to check out the official website by clicking on the link at the top left of this page to find out more information about the organization along with great resources for moms! For more information on this local MOPS chapter please continue to visit our blog. We will be posting reminders of upcoming events, highlights from our Friday meetings, along with words of encouragement for all you busy moms! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I pray that God will guide and comfort you on this journey of motherhood as you <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">seek His wisdom and strength</span>, and I look forward to seeing you at MOPS! </span><br />
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