Purpose Statement

MOPS Purpose Statement: MOPS International exists to encourage, equip and develop every mother of preschoolers to realize her potential as a woman, mother and leader in the name of Jesus Christ.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Worm Farming/Composting: Further Info

The library has some free sessions on worm farming and composting if you are keen to find out more
Posted by Michele @ The Hills are Alive at 3:33 PM 0 comments

Sunday, August 23, 2009

I need help w ith ...#16

Hello everyone
Just wondering if anyone has a 2 or 3 tiered cake stand they would be happy to loan me for a family function mid September (for a High Tea)
I would be very grateful if anyone can assist.
Thanks Angela A
If you have any advice or a response to this request for help please add it by clicking on the word "Comment" below this post - Thanks for your help!
Posted by Michele @ The Hills are Alive at 3:00 PM 0 comments

Friday, August 21, 2009

Session Summary - Aug 21: The Emotional Rollercoaster of Motherhood

Michele presented on the topic of The Emotional Rollercoaster: One Mums Journey of Motherhood so far....

Craft was stress balls.

Will post some notes from this session when get a chance.

In the meantime here are some useful links (clicking on the colored words/links below will take you to another site/page with this info)

POSTNATAL DEPRESSION RESOURCES

Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue PND page

The Edinburgh Screening Tool (Self Assessment Scale NOT A DIAGNOSIS FOR DIAGNOSIS SEE A GP/Psychologist/Psychiatrist

Beyond Blue Booklet EMOTIONAL HEALTH DURING PREGNANCY AND EARLY PARENTHOOD


Good article on Common Negative Thinking patterns of mums and excellent book "Even June Cleaver would Forget the Juicebox" can be found here:
Posted by Michele @ The Hills are Alive at 9:21 PM Labels: , , 0 comments

Friday, August 07, 2009

I need help with ...#15

Healthy lunch box ideas?

If you have any advice or a response to this request for help please add it by clicking on the word "Comment" below this post - Thanks for your help!
Posted by Michele @ The Hills are Alive at 9:49 PM Labels: 0 comments

I need help with ...#14

Quick easy healthy family meals that taste great too

If you have any advice or a response to this request for help please add it by clicking on the word "Comment" below this post - Thanks for your help!
Posted by Michele @ The Hills are Alive at 9:49 PM Labels: 0 comments

I need help with...#13

Suggestions for cheap fun family activities

If you have any advice or a response to this request for help please add it by clicking on the word "Comment" below this post - Thanks for your help!
Posted by Michele @ The Hills are Alive at 9:48 PM Labels: 0 comments

I need help with... #12

Not being judgmental when I see other parents - they could have had a hard day/life etc. How can I/we help others if we see kids in need as a result of their parents perceived negative influence

If you have any advice or a response to this request for help please add it by clicking on the word "Comment" below this post - Thanks for your help!
Posted by Michele @ The Hills are Alive at 9:47 PM Labels: 0 comments

I need help with ...#11

Making my toddler stay by my side when we are out in public - I do encourage her independence but at times need her to stay by my side

If you have any advice or a response to this request for help please add it by clicking on the word "Comment" below this post - Thanks for your help!
Posted by Michele @ The Hills are Alive at 9:46 PM Labels: 0 comments

I need help with ...#10

Disciplining my toddler without using physical means

If you have any advice or a response to this request for help please add it by clicking on the word "Comment" below this post - Thanks for your help!
Posted by Michele @ The Hills are Alive at 9:45 PM Labels: 1 comments

I need help with ....#9

Logical consequences for disrespectful/bad behaviour

If you have any advice or a response to this request for help please add it by clicking on the word "Comment" below this post - Thanks for your help!
Posted by Michele @ The Hills are Alive at 9:43 PM Labels: 1 comments

I need help with... #8

Does anyone have a portacot and/or baby swing that could be lent to Mums attending MOPS conference on Aug 14/15/16 (next weekend). If so please Comment to this post and/or speak to Natalie S ASAP

If you have any advice or a response to this request for help please add it by clicking on the word "Comment" below this post - Thanks for your help!
Posted by Michele @ The Hills are Alive at 9:42 PM 1 comments

I need help with... #7

Helping my 10 year old (boy) make friends at school (develop closer relationships)

If you have any advice or a response to this request for help please add it by clicking on the word "Comment" below this post - Thanks for your help!
Posted by Michele @ The Hills are Alive at 9:41 PM Labels: 2 comments

I need help with ...#6

Finding an older woman (mum) to debrief with/ask advice of (a mentor)

If you have any advice or a response to this request for help please add it by clicking on the word "Comment" below this post - Thanks for your help!
Posted by Michele @ The Hills are Alive at 9:40 PM Labels: 3 comments

I need help with ...#5

Can you please help me make my home more peaceful the kids are either shouting or yelling or talking or interrupting and my husband and I cant even hear ourselves think!!! So then we get cross with each other (or better still, with the kids)

If you have any advice or a response to this request for help please add it by clicking on the word "Comment" below this post - Thanks for your help!
Posted by Michele @ The Hills are Alive at 9:39 PM Labels: 2 comments

I need help with ...#4

I need help to write a help question

If you have any advice or a response to this request for help please add it by clicking on the word "Comment" below this post - Thanks for your help!
Posted by Michele @ The Hills are Alive at 9:38 PM Labels: 1 comments

I need help with ....#3

I need help with losing weight and eating right. I know what I need to do but have no one to hold me accountable. I guess I'd be worried about letting them down if I did have someone to do it

If you have any advice or a response to this request for help please add it by clicking on the word "Comment" below this post - Thanks for your help!
Posted by Michele @ The Hills are Alive at 9:37 PM Labels: 1 comments

I need help with .....#2

Weight loss

If you have any advice or a response to this request for help please add it by clicking on the word "Comment" below this post - Thanks for your help!
Posted by Michele @ The Hills are Alive at 9:37 PM Labels: 1 comments

I need help with.... #1

Putting myself 1st

If you have any advice or a response to this request for help please add it by clicking on the word "Comment" below this post - Thanks for your help!
Posted by Michele @ The Hills are Alive at 9:36 PM Labels: 2 comments

HELP Topic: Questions from todays meeting


I am about to post the questions gathered at todays meeting (things you need help with). Will post them one by one and if anyone has any answers/responses please COMMENT below the relevant post.
Each of these issues/questions will also be displayed on the wall at next MOPS so you can add more answers then (and/or check answers to your request for HELP)
Remember - Friends dont let friends do mothering alone! 

Posted by Michele @ The Hills are Alive at 9:36 PM Labels: 0 comments

Session Summary - Aug 7th, 2009



HELP

Today at MOPS @ MBC we started the topic of HELP. We watched the DVD segment on Help, with Discussion Questions after and completed a craft of making layered bikkies in a jar. Our morning tea was "Foods that help us get through the day as a mum".


Here are some notes from the DVD for those who were unable to make it to MOPS today (PS: If you were unable to make MOPS today please know that we missed you and hope to see you back at MOPS soon. If you need HELP with anything please contact your Table Leader and/or the MOPS team as we would love offer a helping hand):
  • The DVD talks about not being able to do mothering on own
  • Reiterates the importance of asking for help
  • Asks you to think about times when you have found it hard being a mum
  • When have you realised you cant do it by yourself (ie when sick or problem pregnancy + toddler etc)?
  • The host of the DVD shares a personal story about needing help when she lost one of her twins in-utero in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy.
  • Talks about asking for help can make us at times feel vulnerable and that to open up requires trust
  • Suggests seeking professional help when required such as for depresssion or abuse and says to speak to the MOPS team and/or the church backing the MOPS group you attend if you are not sure where you can go to seek help for an issue
  • Also mentions a special section on the MOPS international website for HELP with issues. Go to MOPS.org/help
  • Julie Barnhill is the main speaker on this DVD segment. She is the author of the excellent book Shes Gonna Blow
  • Julie talks about her love of and experience of a rollercoaster likening it to Motherhood - the tension and anticipation, thinking that you are prepared and know all about it and it will be easy but then you just launch into it, take off with no stopping or getting off the ride and can panic or feel unprepared after all and need HELP
  • Talks about the safety shoulder harness on a rollercoaster - what is around you to keep you safe in mothering and protect you emotionally and mentally and physically. Dont think you have to do mothering alone
  • Julie tells us to stop thinking that we have it all together or the mum next to us has it all together and asks us to say out loud to self "I AM A MESS OF MAGNIFICENT PROPORTIONS" and then turn to the person next to you (look them in the eye and with a big smile) tell them also "YOU ARE A MESS OF MAGNIFICENT PROPORTIONS". This releases us from expectations and leaves space for GRACE to step in
  • What are you struggling with?
  • Admitting you need help can make you feel vulnerable
  • Needs authenticity, confidentiality and safety to be vulnerable
  • Who can you ask for for help - friends, in laws, own mother, MOPS group etc
  • Rollercoaster rides also have an emergency STOP button. We have to be in control and willing to hit the stop button when needed in our own life when you need to get off the ride for a while. Julie shares about her own depression and "medicinal grace" (took meds for depression). Asks us to think about what do we need to hit the STOP button on. May be something as big as depression or may be choosing to stay at home rather than running around overcommitted etc
  • Important to get back on the ride too with friends and with help. Talks about going to bed each night anticipating the ride of motherhood again the next day
Some questions to consider on this topic include:

FROM THE DVD:
  • When do you find being a mum hard?
  • When do you need to ask for help?
  • Have you had a moment in your Adventure of Mothering where you realised you couldnt do it by yourself and you needed help
  • What type of help gets you through (someone to talk to/listen to you, practical help like a meal or babysitting etc)
  • Do you find it hard to ask for help? Why?
  • Have you had a time where needing/asking for help helped build a deeper relationship with someone
  • If Mothering is like a Rollercoaster, what or who are your Safety Harnesses (the things that are around you that keep you safe/protected emotionally and physically)
  • Have you ever had a time where you wanted to hit the EMERGENCY brake, stop the ride of motherhood and get off?
  • What did it feel like to say to yourself/your table members "I/YOU AM A MESS OF MAGNIFICENT PROPORTIONS - liberating? Scary? Something else? Why?
  • What are you struggling with? Who could you go to for help?
  • What do you need to hit the STOP button on?
  • As you go to bed each night, how do you prepare yourself to GET BACK ON THE RIDE of motherhood the next day?
FROM THE MOMMY DIARIES:
  • When was the last time you asked for help?
  • How hard is it for you to ask for help and what do you think holds you back?
  • Oftentimes failure to seek out aid from someone else stems form a n issue of pride. What has got you thinking you are capable of handling it all on your own?
  • Do you view offers of help as debts you must pay off as quickly as possible?
  • What will it take for you to view the help you receive as acts of grace with no return favours expected?
Before Discussion time I (Michele) asked everyone to write down something they need help with, I have collected these and will add to the blog as separate posts so anyone with answers can reply via the COMMENT section for that post. I will also display the questions again at our next MOPS (on Aug 21) and you can add a response and/or check any responses given to your Help question at that meeting.

Thanks also to all those who HELPED me by jotting down some questions you have regarding Anger Management. These will help me to tailor my presentation on Aug 21. Wont be able to cover everything/answer all questions in the time available but will give me a guide to shape what I do cover so thanks.


From our blessing today
Emergency Telephone Numbers
These may be more effective than 000 for some of the Mum Emergencies we have every day. If you click on the verse listed (in blue eg John 14 and so on...it will take you to another page with the full verse)

When -
You are sad, phone John 14
You have sinned, phone Psalm 51
You are facing danger, phone Psalm 91
People have failed you, phone Psalm 27
It feels as though God is far from you, phone Psalm 139
Your faith needs stimulation, phone Hebrews 11
You are alone and scared, phone Psalm 23
You are worried, phone Matthew 8:19-34
You are hurt and critical, phone 1 Corinthians 13
You wonder about Christianity, phone 2 Corinthians 5:15-18
You feel like an outcast, phone Romans 8:31-39
You are seeking peace, phone Matthew 11:25-30
It feels as if the world is b igger than God, phone Psalm 90
You need Christ like insurance, phone Romans 8:1-30
You are leaving home for a trip , phone Psalm 121
You are praying for yourself, phone Psalm 87
You require courage for a task, phone Joshua 1
Inflation's and investments are hogging your thoughts, phone M ark 10:17-31
You are depressive, phone Psalm 27
Your bank account is empty, phone Psalm 37
You lose faith in mankind, phone 1 Corinthians 13
It looks like people are unfriendly, phone John 15
You are losing hope, phone Psalm 126
You feel the world is small comp ared to you, phone Psalm 19
You want to carry fruit, phone John 15
Paul's secret for happiness, phone Colossians 3:12-17
With big opportunity/ discovery, phone Isaiah 55
To get along with other people, phone Romans 12
ALTERNATE NUMBERS
For dealing with fear, call Psalm 47
For security, call Psalm 121:3
For assurance, call Mark 8:35
For reassurance, call Psalm 145:18
ALL THESE NUMBERS MAY BE PHONED DIRECTLY.
NO OPERATOR ASSISTANCE IS NECESSARY.
ALL LINES TO HEAVEN ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY.
FEED YOUR FAITH, AND DOUBT WILL STARVE TO DEATH

Some links from the Newsletter:
Lisa Lindley travel blog

The Empower Trauma Rehabilitation Program developed by Sunshine Coast Dr Robbi Sonderegger

http://www.festivalofthewalks.com.au/
Posted by Michele @ The Hills are Alive at 1:18 PM Labels: , 0 comments
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Theme Scripture

Psalm 139

1 You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,”
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand — when I awake, I am still with you.

19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
20 They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Annual MOPS Participation Fee

The annual MOPS Participation Fee of $10 assists MOPS Australia in covering the cost of training for Regional Coordinators to help other MOPS groups to develop around Australia. It also allows more MOPS group leaders around Australia to access regional training.

This will go a long way to helping MOPS Australia bring MOPS to more Mums around Australia.

When you register for MOPS each year, you will be handed an Annual Participation Fee form, and we ask that if you are able to pay this $10 participation fee, please do so before the end of April 2011.

The payment options are...
1. Direct Debit to MOPS Australia bank account
2. Credit card
3. Cheque payable to MOPS Australia
4. Cash to MOPS@MBC front desk

Thank you, from the MOPS@MBC team.

How did MOPS begin?

It was a Tuesday morning, at about 9.30. They each had faced spilled cereal, tangled hair, and a few had even been forced to change their outfits due to a last-minute baby throw-up on a shoulder or lap. They had driven, or pushed strollers, to the church and had dropped their little ones off in the creche. They had made it!

And now they sat, knees almost touching, in the circle of children's chairs from the Sunday school room. Hands held hot cups of tea and biscuits in utter freedom because this treat did not have to be shared with a child's sticky fingers. Mouths moved in eager, uninterrupted conversation. Eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. Hearts stirred with understanding. Needs were met.

That morning in 1973, was the first morning of MOPS, or Mothers of Preschoolers. Little was it known that from this small beginning in a church in Colorado, USA, the seeds of the MOPS concept and format had been planted. The needs of the women were met even then, through the opportunity for friendship, creative outlet and spiritual emphasis. MOPS International now charters approximately 2,500 MOPS groups in churches in the United States and 13 other countries throughout the world.

How did MOPS begin in Australia?

How did MOPS begin in Australia?

Nineteen years later and thousands of kilometres away, the same mutual need for sharing was realised by a group of mums with children under school age in Melbourne. After reading about the MOPS concept in the US, leaders introduced the program to the Clayton Church of Christ Fellowship in early 1990 and MOPS was born in Australia. From this small beginning, the seeds for future growth were planted, resulting in the formation of an affiliated body to support the ever-increasing number of Australian groups and the mums they served.

Since its formation in June 2000, MOPS Australia, Inc has grown rapidly and there are currently over 100 groups throughout Australia. In the last year alone, 35 new groups have commenced, with groups starting up regularly throughout different Christian denominations. Groups now meet in every state and territory in Australia, with an estimated ministry to approximately 2500 mums and 3000 children.

How did MOPS begin at MBC?

A Brief History of MOPS at MBC by Karen Askey-Doran (COordinator of MOPS til 2008 and currently Regional Coordinator).

In 1999, the leader of MBC’s women’s ministry caught the vision of MOPS. At that time I was a new Mum with little inclination to help; I was interested but not convicted!

Roughly a year later another meeting was held to generate interest. At this time I had another little baby girl, a 16-month-old toddler and, although I was unaware of it, Post Natal Depression. And once again people were interested but not compelled to lead.

In 2005 Holly, caught the vision of MOPS and began to sow the seeds of interest throughout the young Mums in our church. Robyn Robertson came to our first meeting and inspired us into action…the seeds Holly planted took hold!

People came slowly at first to fill the positions, it seemed there were a lot of blanks for a long time! Holly was going to be our Coordinator and when she filled out the charter she realised that a Mother of Preschoolers should really fill that role…. So she called me! Very graciously, Holly took a side step into a Mentoring role (very appropriate really).

God was moving in our midst, we had been blessed with an inspired team of 15 Mops Leaders and 9 Moppets Leaders, each one having a testimony about how God had lead them to this ministry!

I suspect that God has big plans for our group. I still feel very inadequate sometimes but I do trust God and I want to serve him and to reach out to Mums who are hurting, to support them. I want to encourage, you know, to build up… to make a difference in people’s lives, especially my children’s!

I know I’m not alone… In Romans 8:28 it says “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” He planned for my girls, my twins, my battle with PND. He planned for MOPS - at this time - in our church! The door has literally been flung open!

What happens at a MOPS meeting?

When a mum enters a MOPS meeting, she is greeted by a friendly face and escorted to MOPPETS, where her children enjoy their special part of the MOPS program. In MOPPETS, children from infancy through to school age experience a caring environment while they learn, sing, play and make crafts.

Once her children are settled, the MOPS mum joins a program tailor-made to meet her needs. She can grab something to eat and not have to share it! She can finish a sentence and not have to speak in words of two syllables!

The program typically begins with a brief lesson taught by an older mum who's been through the challenging years of mothering and who can share from her experience and from the truths taught in the Bible. Then the women move into small discussion groups where there are no "wrong answers" and each mum is free to share her joys and struggles with other mums who truly understand her feelings. In these moments, long-lasting friendships are often made on the common ground of finally being understood.

From here, the women participate in a craft or other creative activity. For mums who are often frustrated by the impossibility of completing anything in their unpredictable days, this activity is deeply satisfying. It provides a sense of accomplishment and growth for many mums.

Because mums of preschoolers themselves lead MOPS, the program also offers women a chance to develop their leadership skills and other talents. It takes organisation, creativity, and management skills to run a MOPS program successfully.

By the time they finish the MOPS meeting and pick up their children, the mums feel refreshed and better able to mother. MOPS helps them recognise that mums have needs too! And when they take the time to meet those needs, they find they are more effective in meeting the needs of their families.

Meeting the needs of Mothers of Preschoolers

The MOPS program is dedicated to meeting the needs of mothers of preschoolers. These needs have been identified by Elisa Morgan and Carol Kuykendall in their book, What Every Mum Needs:


The need for Identity: Sometimes I'm not sure who I am

The need for Growth: Sometimes I long to develop who I am

The need for Relationship: Sometimes I long to be understood

The need for Help: Sometimes I need to share the load

The need for Perspective: Sometimes I lose my focus

The need for Hope: Sometimes I wonder if there's more to life


Here's How Some Mums Describe MOPS

"MOPS means that I am able to share the joys and frustrations and insecurities of being a mum. Our meetings provide the opportunity to hear someone else say, "I was up all night," or "They're driving me crazy!"

MOPS mum, Perth

"As a single mum, this is the first group I've felt accepted in for who I am."

MOPS mum, Canberra

'On my first day at MOPS, I knew my life had changed forever! The women made me feel so relaxed. I had a peace I hadn't felt for a long time. They were so caring, pleasant, helpful…the list goes on! I just want to say, "Thank you MOPS!" If it weren't for MOPS, I wouldn't be where I am today.'

MOPS mum, Melbourne

'When I first started MOPS, I was very, very lonely. MOPS gave me a chance to get out of the house which I was grateful for. The talks were very informative. I found out a lot through these talks. My problems seemed to become smaller. When I first started at MOPS, I thought I was a Christian. I wasn't. Through MOPS I can now say, 'I am a Christian.' MOPS to me is not only Mothers of Pre Schoolers, but My Own Private Salvation!'

MOPS mum, Canberra