Are you Thankful?

The Thanksgiving holiday is one of my favorites...my birthday, food, family, friends and lots of fun. But, originally, it was meant to be a day to pause and give thanks to God. Unfortunately, for many, including myself, thanksgiving is more of a one-day holiday than a way of life. I don't know about you, but I've been blessed beyond comprehension, and even in the unwelcome moments of life, I have so much to be thankful for. What would it look like if I ONLY spoke words of gratitude the entire week of Thanksgiving? If I went so far as to look at a pile of laundered clothes that awaits my folding and putting up, a task I normally hate, and instead think and speak out loud, “God, thank you for these clothes." When my daughter voicing her grumpiness, “God, thank you that she has a voice that works and you are shaping her own unique personality.” Or when my son is voicing his opinion, that does not coincide with my opinion, "God let me be thankful that my son is growing up into a fine young man with ideas and thoughts of his own." If every time I see a person this week, I tell them why I am thankful to God they are in my life. So, starting this morning and going through this Sunday evening, I'm challenging myself to live an entire week full of thanksgiving. How about you? Are you up for being Thankful?
Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
(Ephesians 5:4 ESV)

Movie Night for MOPS Moms

Sunday night was a great time of fun, laughter, great food, fellowship and movies (some saw New Moon and the others saw Couples Retreat). Both movies got good reviews. If you all didn't make it, you missed out. So refreshing and renewing to get out with other moms without husbands and kids. I had a great time ladies. Thanks!
"We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." II Corinthians 4:7

Ribbons and Bows

This week at our MOPS meeting we learned to make large, decorative bows for our Fall and Christmas decorations. Our craft was led by one of our mentor moms, Ms. Sue. We had a great and relaxing time and now have some new skills for our decorating projects. Thanks for sharing Ms. Sue. Also Debra B. demonstrated to some of the ladies (with girls) how to make hair bows. Thanks Debra B. we enjoyed it.
"Truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ." 1 John 1:3

Charlene The BonBon Queen

What a fun and exciting speaker we had on Wednesday at our MOPS Meeting. It was our local Charlene "The BonBon Queen". She and her French husband, Pascal, own South n' France, a bonbon company here in Wilmington. She gave a wonderfully entertaining talk of how she came to own the little pink house, where they live and work, and also brought delicious samples of their bonbons. Oh My Goodness, were they wonderful. Sorry for you ladies who missed out. Maybe you can catch her next time. If you would like to see her fabulous website this is their address: www.southnfrance.com.
"Taste and see that the Lord is good." Psalm 34:8

Joey Jog 2009

What a wonderful day for Joey Jog 2009. Not one drop of rain fell until the closing ceremony. What a gracious god we serve. The Joey Jog raised almost $30,000. WOW! Thanks to all the MOPS moms who volunteered their time, talents and athletic ability. Such a great way to celebrate the life of one special little girl.
"Know that the Lord is God." Psalm 100:3

Our Little Pumpkins

What a fun day we all had at the Pumpkin Patch and then Lunch out. It was windy, cold and a little rainy, but the fellowship and togetherness warmed our hearts anyway. Everything seems better when there are friends along for the ride!

"For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:30

Meeting for October 7th

Today at our MOPS meeting we discussed flu prevention and care with our speaker, local pediatrician, Dr. Daniel Ott. He had lots of informative information and answered many questions from our moms. Thanks, Dr. Ott, we appreciate your time and enjoyed your visit very much.
Also from our mentor mom, Sue, we had a great devotion about how God allows struggles in our lives to shape us into the people he wants us to be.
Our older kids in Moppets made some really cute fall crafts. Oranges dressed as little pumpkins and little ghost treat buckets. All faces were made with electrical tape. How cute.
"Let us fix our eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..." Hebrews 12:2