Speakers for 2011-2012

Moms, we am looking to see what topics are near and dear to your heart and that you would like to learn about this year at Mops.  Several ideas have been presented, but we want to hear from you, too!  Leave a comment below with your suggestion(s)!

Here are some that we have:
A Mentor Panel
Safety
Self Defense for Women
Being SuperMom (or not)
Different kinds of schooling
Emotions After Pregnancy
Marital Class
Team Parenting (for those that are in the Military or otherwise absent spouse)
Pediatrician
Healthy food on a shoestring budget

We're looking forward to hearing from you!

Westwood Mops Promotional Video

Looking Forward - Convention, Part 3

As I travel home from the Convention, I am reflecting on my time and the lessons I have learned.  I learned a lot about Mops International and the vision it has for their groups scattered throughout the country and the world, and I have also learned a lot about myself.  God blessed me with a wonderful woman on this trip (one I had never met until we carpooled to the airport!) who shared life lessons and pointed out my own weaknesses and strengths.  She, in particular, challenged me in my thinking and made me put words to specific questions.  (The speakers and presenters did as well, but Sue specifically called me out!)

A lot of ideas were presented to me - some that I want to implement in my own life and in the Mops group that I help coordinate - and others that I want to discuss and explore further.  I especially love our theme verse for this coming Mops year: "God does not want us to be shy with his gifts, but to be bold, loving, and sensible."

Dear Lord, don't let me be shy with the gifts you have given me.  Let me be bold in my life - both as a mother and as a child of God.  Let me love others, even the ones that are hard to love.  Let me be sensible with my choices...the choices that are presented to me as a leader and the ones that are given to me in every day life as a mother, wife, and friend.  How it must hurt You when we take the gifts You have given us and we dismiss them or point at someone else's gift and wish for that one instead!  Lord, show me how to take a hold of my gifts in a bold, loving, and sensible way for Your glory and not shy away!  You have given me these gifts to ME - and ONLY me! - for a reason!  God, help me filter every choice I make through this mindset and keep my eyes focused on You.

I'm so looking forward to this coming year at Mops!  I'm excited to start planning next week with an awesome group of women who love each other and love God and desire to encourage, equip and develop every mother of preschoolers to realize her potential as a woman, mother and leader... (from the Mops International vision). 

Hold on to your hats, ladies!  We're in for an awesome ride!
In His Arms,
Danielle

Mops Convention - Part 2

Well, I made it.  This place is amazing!  This resort covers 7 acres and is totally enclosed and so the high heat and humidity here in Nashville is kept at bay.  And we even were upgraded to a room with a view!

I'm looking forward to the sessions tomorrow.  First up is the 1st General Session (the theme being BOLD) and Lisa Harper will be speaking and Travis Cottrell will be the worship leader!  Then a couple of Workshops: Engaging Your Audience and Hospitality Leadership Essentials.  Finally, we'll have another General Session (LOVING) with Mandisa and comedian John Branyan.

I've already scoped out the Resource Fair and have entered in several drawings (note to self: next time you go to a convention, bring pre-printed labels with address/phone/email....less writing!).  I've also scored some freebies!  Sigh, I've done a lot of walking so far...so even though it's only 8:30 there in the Pacific Northwest, I'm going to do my best and get on Nashville's time zone - off to bed I go!

In His Arms,
Danielle

(By the way, imaginary terrorists obviously did NOT hijack my plane today!)

The Mops Convention - Part 1

Well, I'm off on an adventure tomorrow!  My first ever Mops International Convention.  I've got butterflies...  Lots. Of. Butterflies.  Probably because I don't know what to expect - there's only so much a brochure and website can tell you!  I'm also not a big fan of large groups (as in 100+) of women...and there's going to be a lot of women (hence the name Mothers of Preschoolers!).  So I'm nervous - let me share some of them! :}

I'm nervous about the flight.  Since 9/11 I've always wondered if it's the last flight I'll take.  (Although the flight itself isn't all that nerve-wracking for me).  So I'm nervous about the imaginary terrorist(s) that will hijack my plane and ruin my family's life.  ...the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:25-26

I'm nervous about forgetting something.  I've heard that some people pack an extra empty bag with them when going to the Mops Convention because of all of the freebies and stuff there - they come back with a full bag of Mops gear that they use as favors/raffles for the coming year!  In anticipation of this "loot", I have packed my large duffle bag and I am nervous about all of the empty space.  I keep thinking that I must have forgotten something; clothes, blankets, diapers, wipes, pacifiers...oh....I'm only packing for one person - me!  But I MUST be forgetting something!!!!  Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. Jeremiah 43:18

I'm nervous about meeting new people.  I'm not a social butterfly - I would much prefer to be on the wall and observing people and their interactions!  So to be going to a place I've never been, with a woman I've never met, to be at a convention I've never attended, is a little bit daunting!  Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

So, the point is, I've got butterflies in my tummy.  My insecurities are rearing their ugly heads, but fortunately I have the arms of God to rest in.  I'm looking forward to returning to you all and sharing what I've learned!

In HIS Arms,
Danielle
Coordinator

MomSense: Bold ~ Loving ~ Sensible

Well, the Steering Team just finished up our last planning meeting from the 2010-11 year and we've taken the comments and suggestions you gave us and we'll be implementing them for next year (coffee cards for birthday presents, yippee!!!)!  We are so excited to be announcing the theme for next year - MomSense: Bold • Loving • Sensible.  Through this coming year's topics and activities we hope to equip moms to embrace your mothering instincts and develop your own parenting style while navigating through the myriad of daily mom decisions.  And this from the Mops website:

"Most women wonder: 

• How do I decide what to do when I really don’t know what to do?
• Should I trust my intuition?
• With so much available information, how do I discern what’s best?
• What are the most important family values?

Developing a mothering strategy is somewhat like playing a game — and this year’s theme is appropriately game related. Have fun being a mom! Playing games involves being bold and taking risks, loving those in the game with us and being sensible while figuring out what works and what doesn’t.  Just as in real-life, sometimes in games, unexpected, “chance” events occur, abruptly changing our paths. We must regroup and determine our next steps. Sometimes we follow the instructions of “experts.” Sometimes we follow the advice of trusted friends. Sometimes we decide our “house rules” work best for our family. Teaming together with other moms is a great strategy. Relying on a spouse or mentor can help us play more effectively. And, most of all, developing a strong God-Sense is essential for mothering. Growing as a mom through the analogy of game playing assures every mom gains confidence in her abilities as a mom."

Join us as we play the "game" of motherhood and develop new tools and techniques!  Remember, a discount will be applied to your dues when you register before July 1st!  So sign up now!!!  http://www.westwoodbaptist.com/women/cost_breakdown

Summer, 2011!

Last Friday was bittersweet...we said goodbye to two wonderful ladies who are graduating to a new phase in life!  We also celebrated our last Mops meeting of the 2010-2011 year that day.  We made a lot of new friends (ones that will last a lifetime!) and learned a lot about each other and especially about ourselves.  And now we are looking forward to the summer - with playdates and weekly walks! - and when Westwood Mops will start up again in September!

Our calendar is to the right - keep an eye out for activities and playdates posted here!  Everyone have a great summer and we'll see you at the parks!