This past weekend I was blessed to spend 4 days in Nashville with some of the most incredible women for the 2009 MOPS Convention.
Just in case you don't know...MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers, it is an international group designed to support all woman with children ages birth through kindergarten. There are approximately 3900 MOPS groups in the country and in 35 countries. We are a faith based group, but support EVERY mother. For more information feel free to visit www.mops.org.
This is the 3rd year that I have been apart of MOPS here in Gainesville (and my second year that I have served on the leadership team). This group of women have helped me become a better mother, wife, person. They have strengthened my relationship with Christ. The day we lost Ethan these women came running and began praying. I can't even begin to share with you all of the ways in which they have supported our family and more important continue to support our family through this tragedy. They have forever changed my life! Not only have we gotten support from our local group, but have even received cards and prayers from MOPS international.
Just in case you don't know...MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers, it is an international group designed to support all woman with children ages birth through kindergarten. There are approximately 3900 MOPS groups in the country and in 35 countries. We are a faith based group, but support EVERY mother. For more information feel free to visit www.mops.org.
This is the 3rd year that I have been apart of MOPS here in Gainesville (and my second year that I have served on the leadership team). This group of women have helped me become a better mother, wife, person. They have strengthened my relationship with Christ. The day we lost Ethan these women came running and began praying. I can't even begin to share with you all of the ways in which they have supported our family and more important continue to support our family through this tragedy. They have forever changed my life! Not only have we gotten support from our local group, but have even received cards and prayers from MOPS international.
Okay, so back to my trip....6 of us road tripped to Nashville on Thursday. We attended our first general session and were led in worship by Matt Redman and Christy Nockels. It was absolutely incredible to walk into the room and worship with thousands of mothers from all across the country/world! I can't even begin to put it into words. As I sat there, I thought of my life 3 years ago...never in a million years would I have imagined to be sitting in a convention center with this huge group of women! God has a plan for me and though I don't understand some of this plan, an enormous part of it is far better than I would've ever imagined!
Friday we worshiped again with Matt Redman and Christy Nockels. In addition we got to see Plum and comedian Ken Davis (who is hilarious and I would recommend finding some of his stuff on you-tube). I attended several great break out sessions one called Kid Concoctions that was about learning through creative play. Very fun- can't wait until Grant is old enough to do some of it! I attended one that was on communication in marriage and the other one was about telling your "story". Friday night we attended the comedy night with Ken Davis and the farewell celebration for Elisa Morgan (more on her in a minute).
Saturday we were led in worship by Christy Nockels and got to hear Matthew West!! I attended a break out session on writing during the mothering season, which was sooo good! This blog has really inspired me to do a lot more writing. I am really thinking writing maybe my next calling from God (but only time will tell what God has in store next). I also attended a break out session on making a difference in the world with your child from home. As everyone knows I am a "service" person, so this one was particularly close to my heart.
Saturday I got the honor to meet two authors that have really touched my life! Lisa Bergren who wrote this years MOPS curriculum book. In the book she talked about the death of her niece, Maddie and what that has done to her faith. We had emailed before the convention, so it was such an honor to meet her in person and have her sign one of her kids storybooks for Grant. Her words touched me on a day that I needed to hear them. The other person that I got to meet was Elisa Morgan!!!!!!!!!!!!! She was the first president of MOPS international and has written several books. One of which is titled "What Every Mom Needs", one of my favorite books! I have given this to several new moms out there (you may have been a recipient of a copy)! After 20 years as president of MOPS she has turned the organization over and moved onto a new journey in her life this year. I had to meet her and tell her how much I appreciate what she has done for MOPS, that this group has truly changed my life. Elisa's sons name is also Ethan...she cried and prayed with me (and signed a copy of her new book). It was such an honor to meet such an incredible woman!!
Sunday it was back home to Gainesville and my wonderful family! It was an amazing weekend and I am truly blessed that I was able to go.
Wow, if you made it to the end of this blog...I commend you it was a long one. :-)
