Making Connections with other Moms

I don’t know about you, but last week marked big changes around my home. We added preschool to our routine. Many of us have kids going back to school, and entering school for the first time. You may be feeling overwhelmed by the new schedule, or ready for the change of pace and routine.

At drop off last Tuesday, I was a ball of mixed emotions. Sad my little girl was growing up too fast, and that the slow summer days were over. I was looking for other moms to connect with at drop-off who were feeling the same way, but we all just stood around as if we didn't know what to say to one another.

Making connections with other moms can be a challenge for some of us. It takes a leap, to just say, "Hi, how are you doing today?" Especially when faced with moms who are looking at the ground, or staring at their phones, or just plain zonked out from lack of sleep.

I encourage you this week to say hi to a mom you don't know, and make small talk the best you know how. They may even be feeling that same urge to connect.

Dear God, help me be a woman who gives grace and friendship, and help me find connections for my soul in my everyday community.

 

End of Summer BBQ

The end of summer BBQ means that the start of MOPS is just around the corner!  We had an amazing hot summer evening on Friday--luscious grass and trees at East Renton Community Church to keep us cool. There were torrents of wild-eyed, barefoot kids racing around, shrieking with delight as the bouncy slide rose to the sky, filling with air. Many moms brought their men along too. It was a fun family time. Lots of hugs, laughter, catching up and looking forward. We are all excitedly awaiting taking the plunge into the encouragement, fun, connectedness and activities MOPS will bring. The evening wrapped up with a campfire and marshmallow roasting. Yum! Jen, our new co-coordinator had a brilliant idea to stack a brownie onto her s'more.  These MOPS ladies are awesome. Can't wait for you to join us too.

Plunge - Love as if your life depended on it

What an exciting theme for the upcoming 2012-2013 year!

Plunge is all about diving into relationships and hope. We moms need hope and supportive relationships to survive in a world of constant change. Taking the plunge in relationships is being authentic and going deeper. All facets of relationships can be strengthened through taking risks, going deeper and showing authentic love – neighborhood, friendships, marriages, extended families, the world around us and ultimately relationship with God.

We look forward to seeing you at MOPS this fall!

Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!
-1 Peter 4:8-11 (The Message)