Connecting Through Motherhood – MOPS

This year, I decided to join a MOPS group. MOPS stands for “Mothers of Preschoolers” but it is really for moms of preschool age children and under. MOPS has been such a blessing for me not only to give me a two hour window every other week to remember what it is like to have a conversation without being interrupted by my little ones but also to be encouraged in motherhood with a group of amazing women! By stepping out of my comfort zone and trying something new, I was able to meet new friends, talk through motherhood struggles and get ideas for how to get through different stages of child rearing, and hear some amazing teachings from many Christian women.

Here is some of the encouragement I was given from these great teachers…

Maria Goff gave us a CHARGE for our lives in motherhood from Ephesians 4:1

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

reminding us that we must live each day with NO COMPARISON.

She taught us that HOSPITALITY is not about how you set your table but how people feel about sitting around your table. It is more about the condition of our HEARTS, not the condition of our HOME.

Melanie Dale taught us about what

Mo Isom taught us how to SUFFER WELL, that our worth as a Mom is not in our ability to make life look picture perfect.

She encouraged us to HAVE COURAGE because God has already overcome the world.

“Adversity (in motherhood) is inevitable but is is also used in growth, strength, and betterment…Adversity doesn’t change God.”

She encouraged us to not let suffering put out our fire and that we HAVE THE TOOLS to Suffer Well, Suffer Patiently, and Suffer Peacefully.

Melanie Dale taught us to love the life we didn’t choose, how to lay down our expectations when life is not going the way we thought it would, and that learning to love our life takes a lifetime of daily choices to do so.

When things happen that aren’t what we want, she encouraged us to

• • • • • • • • • COUNT the WINS
                  • Stop and let it soak in
                • LAUGH
                  • Recognize the ridiculous
                  • Ask your kids funny questions
                • IDENTIFY the GRACE-BEARERS
                  • These are the people who offer grace when we’re in pain
                • FIND PROFESSIONAL HELP
                • FALL APART with GOD
                  • When life falls short of your expectations, you will find your safe place by turning to God
                  • Psalm 142:1-2 – cry aloud, complaining is ok, mourn and grieve our expectations

Krista Gilbert encouraged us about RECLAIMING YOUR HOME, that we get back to a rooted lifestyle when we are prioritizing what is important. (This was one of my FAVORITE teachings!!)

Just like building a home, to build your family house you need to make a plan and lay a foundation to provide stability and safety.

That foundation is built on LOVE, ACCEPTANCE, COMMUNICATION, PLAY, and PRESENCE

“Where do I need to grow so my family is built on unshakeable ground?”

Traditions anchor us, create memorable chapters and family identity. Incorporate your family traditions all year long, not just on holidays.

PLAY- Be Intentional, LAUGH, TIME SPELLS LOVE more specifically PLAY SPELLS LOVE

One of my favorite ideas from Krista is that when their kids were growing up they  had a “MY NIGHT” which consisted of each kid getting to stay up a little later one night a week or month to do an activity with Mom and Dad. She said that her kids still talk about “my night” and remember it as one of their favorite memories!

As we our building our foundations as moms, Krista encouraged us to ask ourselves “What is important to me?”. “What defines success” and “What family structure do I want?”.

Do I view my role as home manager as a blessing or a burden?

Let’s check our perspective and lay the greatest family foundation we can for our families as moms!

“Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work.” -Dr. John Trainer

But, mom, believe me I know, it is exhausting work so be encouraged and do not give up! You are not alone in this!!

Galatians 6:9 “Let us not grow weary in doing good for in due time you will reap a harvest, if you do not give up!”

So, if you are looking for a great way to connect with moms, get a break from your kids, hear some amazing teaching, and be encouraged by other moms to take each day at a time and not give up, check to see if there is a MOPS near you!