MomSense: Bold • Loving • Sensible – equips moms to embrace their mothering instincts and develop their own parenting style while navigating through the myriad of daily mom decisions. Most women wonder:
•How do I decide what to do when I really don’t know what to do?
•Should I trust my intuition?
•With so much available information, how do I discern what’s best?
•What are the most important family values?
Developing a mothering strategy is somewhat like playing a game — and this year’s theme is appropriately game related. Have fun being a mom! Playing games involves being bold and taking risks, loving those in the game with us and being sensible while figuring out what works and what doesn’t.
Just as in real-life, sometimes in games, unexpected, “chance” events occur, abruptly changing our paths. We must regroup and determine our next steps. Sometimes we follow the instructions of “experts.” Sometimes we follow the advice of trusted friends. Sometimes we decide our “house rules” work best for our family. Teaming together with other moms is a great strategy. Relying on a spouse or mentor can help us play more effectively. And, most of all, developing a strong God-Sense is essential for mothering. Growing as a mom through the analogy of game playing assures every mom gains confidence in her abilities as a mom.
Combining her mom intuition and her common sense helps a woman discover her own unique MomSense. (Mom Intuition + Common Sense = MomSense)
This year’s theme book, MomSense: A Common Sense Guide to Confident Mothering, delves further into the topic of finesse, one of the elements introduced in last year’s theme book. Finesse involves being the mom God intended you to be while intentionally loving your children and nurturing their growth. Topics addressed in the book include decision making, mom’s intuition and working through specific parenting dilemmas (“Mama Dramas”). MomSense reminds moms that they are the best mom for their kids and that they can develop contentment and confidence in their roles.
The spiritual foundation of the theme is from 2 Timothy 1:7. As you read the whole chapter, you see that Timothy had a strong mother and grandmother who nurtured his faith. Paul exhorts Timothy to use the gifts God has given him in a bold, loving and sensible way.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
The Intentional Mom
The Intentional Mom
written by Shaunti Feldhahn
As some of you know, I’m a busy analyst, author, and speaker – but much more importantly, I’m a wife to my husband, Jeff, and mom to two great kids ages 10 and 8. At least they are 10 and 8 for the moment. I feel like I’m going to wake up tomorrow and find two teenagers living in my house.
Many of you know exactly what I’m talking about. See if this also rings a bell: From the point when my kids were toddlers, I’ve had hundreds of women stop me in the grocery store or at my speaking events (since I often bring the kids with me) and say, “Oh, enjoy every moment of this phase while they are little: It goes so fast.”
It reminds me of something that happened when Jeff and I got married 16 years ago. What a day that was! After months of planning and dreaming and working long hours to get it all ready, the ceremony seemed to pass in a delightful blur and soon we were facing cheers from the crowd and being introduced as husband and wife. A few weeks later, Jeff mentioned seeing a particular couple who hadn’t been able to attend the reception, but was at the ceremony. I said, “Really? I don’t remember seeing them. But then, it all seemed to go so fast—I don’t remember much about the ceremony itself.”
Jeff smiled sideways. “I remember everything about the ceremony.”
I looked at him, surprised. He continued. “One of my groomsmen told me to enjoy every moment. He said it could either rush by quickly, or be soaked in. So I was purposeful about really enjoying every moment.”
Six years later, when our daughter was born, I started to hear echoes of those words from all the women who told me to enjoy the time because it goes so quickly. I found that every one of those women knew what they were talking about, with regard to the speed of time. So I figured that following their words of wisdom would be a good idea, too. So in these past 10 years I have soaked in every bit of delight that God wants to bring me in my kids. My awareness of every passing day is made all the more poignant by the fact that I’m a working, traveling, mom—and because there are times that I can’t bring them with me on the road, I know there are times when I am missing things. It makes me appreciate all the more the times that I do have and it gives me the desire to be extremely purposeful about enjoying them, instead of letting the days slip by and wondering where did the time go?
I’ve found it is so vital to be purposeful about our lives as moms, as wives (for those who are married), as workers (in whatever we do), and simply as women. Being purposeful and intentional doesn’t mean taking everything super-seriously, or reading every book on the shelf about parenting or marriage. But it does mean being aware of what will make us (and the people around us) thrive and live the abundant lives God desires for us. It does mean sometimes thinking about things we may not otherwise think about or realize in the busyness of life. It does mean being aware about what will ultimately bring glory to Him, and giving Him our lives to use as He wants. And thankfully, if we do that, He promises us grander adventures than we ever could have imagined.
This article originally appeared on MomLife Today, FamilyLife’s blog for moms.
written by Shaunti Feldhahn
As some of you know, I’m a busy analyst, author, and speaker – but much more importantly, I’m a wife to my husband, Jeff, and mom to two great kids ages 10 and 8. At least they are 10 and 8 for the moment. I feel like I’m going to wake up tomorrow and find two teenagers living in my house.
Many of you know exactly what I’m talking about. See if this also rings a bell: From the point when my kids were toddlers, I’ve had hundreds of women stop me in the grocery store or at my speaking events (since I often bring the kids with me) and say, “Oh, enjoy every moment of this phase while they are little: It goes so fast.”
It reminds me of something that happened when Jeff and I got married 16 years ago. What a day that was! After months of planning and dreaming and working long hours to get it all ready, the ceremony seemed to pass in a delightful blur and soon we were facing cheers from the crowd and being introduced as husband and wife. A few weeks later, Jeff mentioned seeing a particular couple who hadn’t been able to attend the reception, but was at the ceremony. I said, “Really? I don’t remember seeing them. But then, it all seemed to go so fast—I don’t remember much about the ceremony itself.”
Jeff smiled sideways. “I remember everything about the ceremony.”
I looked at him, surprised. He continued. “One of my groomsmen told me to enjoy every moment. He said it could either rush by quickly, or be soaked in. So I was purposeful about really enjoying every moment.”
Six years later, when our daughter was born, I started to hear echoes of those words from all the women who told me to enjoy the time because it goes so quickly. I found that every one of those women knew what they were talking about, with regard to the speed of time. So I figured that following their words of wisdom would be a good idea, too. So in these past 10 years I have soaked in every bit of delight that God wants to bring me in my kids. My awareness of every passing day is made all the more poignant by the fact that I’m a working, traveling, mom—and because there are times that I can’t bring them with me on the road, I know there are times when I am missing things. It makes me appreciate all the more the times that I do have and it gives me the desire to be extremely purposeful about enjoying them, instead of letting the days slip by and wondering where did the time go?
I’ve found it is so vital to be purposeful about our lives as moms, as wives (for those who are married), as workers (in whatever we do), and simply as women. Being purposeful and intentional doesn’t mean taking everything super-seriously, or reading every book on the shelf about parenting or marriage. But it does mean being aware of what will make us (and the people around us) thrive and live the abundant lives God desires for us. It does mean sometimes thinking about things we may not otherwise think about or realize in the busyness of life. It does mean being aware about what will ultimately bring glory to Him, and giving Him our lives to use as He wants. And thankfully, if we do that, He promises us grander adventures than we ever could have imagined.
This article originally appeared on MomLife Today, FamilyLife’s blog for moms.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
August Retreat Pictures
Here are some pictures taken by Melissa Phillips at the MOPS Retreat on August 7th.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Normal day,
let me be aware of the treasure you are.
Let me learn from you,
love you,
bless you before you depart.
Let me not pass you by
in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.
Let me hold you while I may,
for it may not always be so.
One day I shall dig my nails into the earth,
or bury my face in the pillow,
or stretch myself taut,
or raise my hands to the sky and want,
more than all the world, your return.
~Mary Jean Iron
let me be aware of the treasure you are.
Let me learn from you,
love you,
bless you before you depart.
Let me not pass you by
in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.
Let me hold you while I may,
for it may not always be so.
One day I shall dig my nails into the earth,
or bury my face in the pillow,
or stretch myself taut,
or raise my hands to the sky and want,
more than all the world, your return.
~Mary Jean Iron
Friday, August 6, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010 06:00 AM
By Jane Hawes
By Jane Hawes
Ballantrae Park
6350 Woerner Temple Rd., Dublin
Careful hunting for Ballantrae Park -- Google Maps will steer you off course. Once you find it -- at the northwest corner of Woerner Temple and Avery roads, south of Rte. 161 -- you'll enjoy this simple and beautiful splash park in the shadow of a giant mound with industrial-size bronze bunnies dancing on top of it (seriously).
Pros: It's completely handicapped accessible with 79 water jets shooting out of the flat, brushed-concrete splash pad and a rock wall of waterfalls. The lush green space is nice for picnics. Bathrooms (open dusk to dawn) are next to the parking lot -- a bit of hike but clean and well-ventilated.
Cons: There's no signage directing you to the parking lot from Woerner Temple Road. There are five small tables (with umbrellas) on the splash area's perimeter -- prime real estate with parents showing up in droves by 10 a.m. The rock wall has decent bone-breaking potential for unsupervised children, but the undulating water jets distract would-be mountaineers. There's no signal from the city's Wi-Fi service, but with little shade, you can't see a laptop screen anyway.
Village Green Park
47 Hall St., Powell
No problems finding this place next to Powell's village hall, and even better, it's within shouting distance of the Mean Bean Caffeine Lounge (22 S. Liberty St.) and Rita's Water Ice (50 S. Liberty St.).
Pros: Where do we start -- 11 full-size picnic tables, two water fountains with pet bowls, several large shade trees, free Wi-Fi service that works, nearby restrooms (open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.), a big Plaything, and a gadget-intensive splash area (shooting jets, spray tunnel, swiveling water gun and flipping buckets). The entire play area is surfaced with a bouncy rubberized mat. Added bonus: The train tracks 200 yards to the west. Long train + little kids = shrieks of delight.
Cons: We're digging deep to come up with something we didn't like about Village Green Park, but my son reported that with water flying in so many directions, it got in his eyes pretty easily and burned a little. Not enough to make him want to leave, but enough to make me wonder if goggles wouldn't make sense for a longer visit.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Any Strong-Willed Children?
How many of you who say you have at least one "strong-willed" child? I certainly do!
I have posted a few "Parenting Tips" from The National Center for Biblical Parenting on this blog before and I received another great one today that I thought I would pass along.
August 2, 2010
Strong-Willed Kids
Children who make decisions with intensity tend to be labeled “strong-willed.” At the end of the day, their parents feel as if they’ve been engaged in hand-to-hand combat—and that the child often wins at the parent’s expense! Most parents consider a strong will a negative personality trait because it often creates resistance and frustration in family life. Yet, in reality, it’s the strong-willed kids who are often better equipped to succeed, be creative, and face adversity.
Children with strong wills have the potential to become the next generation of leaders. They have their own ideas and plans. They know what they want. They’re persistent, confident, passionate, and determined to succeed at whatever they choose to do.
Leaders have an agenda, look for ways to incorporate others into their plans, and have a high need for control in life. Balanced with graciousness, leaders become a treasure because they make things happen, create organization out of chaos, and motivate people to action.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to raise a leader. These kids tend to have their own ways of doing things and like to tell other people (including their parents) what to do. A strong will keeps a child moving in a certain direction in spite of obstacles. Often these children need bigger barriers or tighter limits to teach them that those boundaries are firm.
Don’t be discouraged by the effort it takes to teach a strong-willed child which limits not to push. The strong-willed child accomplishes things in life, because the roadblocks that might hold others back are no match for this kid’s determination. Your job is to help him know the difference between obstacles to overcome and limits to live within.
A strong will can be an asset… as long as the heart is in the right place.
This parenting tip is from the book, Parenting is Heart Work by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
I have posted a few "Parenting Tips" from The National Center for Biblical Parenting on this blog before and I received another great one today that I thought I would pass along.
August 2, 2010
Strong-Willed Kids
Children who make decisions with intensity tend to be labeled “strong-willed.” At the end of the day, their parents feel as if they’ve been engaged in hand-to-hand combat—and that the child often wins at the parent’s expense! Most parents consider a strong will a negative personality trait because it often creates resistance and frustration in family life. Yet, in reality, it’s the strong-willed kids who are often better equipped to succeed, be creative, and face adversity.
Children with strong wills have the potential to become the next generation of leaders. They have their own ideas and plans. They know what they want. They’re persistent, confident, passionate, and determined to succeed at whatever they choose to do.
Leaders have an agenda, look for ways to incorporate others into their plans, and have a high need for control in life. Balanced with graciousness, leaders become a treasure because they make things happen, create organization out of chaos, and motivate people to action.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to raise a leader. These kids tend to have their own ways of doing things and like to tell other people (including their parents) what to do. A strong will keeps a child moving in a certain direction in spite of obstacles. Often these children need bigger barriers or tighter limits to teach them that those boundaries are firm.
Don’t be discouraged by the effort it takes to teach a strong-willed child which limits not to push. The strong-willed child accomplishes things in life, because the roadblocks that might hold others back are no match for this kid’s determination. Your job is to help him know the difference between obstacles to overcome and limits to live within.
A strong will can be an asset… as long as the heart is in the right place.
This parenting tip is from the book, Parenting is Heart Work by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Welcome to Momology!
In 2010, MOPS invites you to join in the learning process as together we explore Momology: The Art and Science of Mothering.
Mothering is both art and science. It combines all of who we are to shape healthy, resilient kids. Mothering is so complex it requires both sides of our brain – not to mention our hands and feet, eyes and ears, mouth and (sniff, sniff) unfortunately, sometimes even our noses!
There's the scientific side of mothering where we develop a hypothesis based on certain principles, test that hypothesis in real-time, consider the results and decide what parts worked and what parts didn't. We keep refining our hypotheses until we find what works for us.
Intertwined with the scientific, mothering requires an artistry that shades with our personality, colors with our unique gifts, and blends past and current experiences.
MOPS International has identified four essential elements for successful outcomes with our kids.
Core is about knowing and growing ourselves. Understanding and working with our unique temperament, experiences, and emotions in a way that develops resilience. Research clearly shows that a mom with a strong, resilient core is more likely to raise a child with a strong, resilient core.
Finesse is about honing practical mothering skills—intentionally carrying out our daily responsibilities in ways that encourage growth and resilience in our kids.
Circle is about building relationships with neighbors, care-givers, extended family and, most importantly, with our husbands or for single moms, with a parenting partner.
Grandscape is about engaging with God and his unique purpose for our lives. Both secular and Christian research identifies faith in God as an essential element for successful mothering.
Through Momology, as we explore together, we'll be guided by an all-knowing, all-powerful, always-present God. Our theme verse for the year is:
Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. (Psalm 139:10)
Anywhere we go, God sees, knows, and guides. So we can lead - and love - knowing God will get us through all the hard spots, all our decisions, all our roles, all our times we can't hold open our eyelids and the times we're bursting with joy. God's hand guides us as we guide our children. As we study Momology together to become better moms making a better world.
Mothering is both art and science. It combines all of who we are to shape healthy, resilient kids. Mothering is so complex it requires both sides of our brain – not to mention our hands and feet, eyes and ears, mouth and (sniff, sniff) unfortunately, sometimes even our noses!
There's the scientific side of mothering where we develop a hypothesis based on certain principles, test that hypothesis in real-time, consider the results and decide what parts worked and what parts didn't. We keep refining our hypotheses until we find what works for us.
Intertwined with the scientific, mothering requires an artistry that shades with our personality, colors with our unique gifts, and blends past and current experiences.
MOPS International has identified four essential elements for successful outcomes with our kids.
Core is about knowing and growing ourselves. Understanding and working with our unique temperament, experiences, and emotions in a way that develops resilience. Research clearly shows that a mom with a strong, resilient core is more likely to raise a child with a strong, resilient core.
Finesse is about honing practical mothering skills—intentionally carrying out our daily responsibilities in ways that encourage growth and resilience in our kids.
Circle is about building relationships with neighbors, care-givers, extended family and, most importantly, with our husbands or for single moms, with a parenting partner.
Grandscape is about engaging with God and his unique purpose for our lives. Both secular and Christian research identifies faith in God as an essential element for successful mothering.
Through Momology, as we explore together, we'll be guided by an all-knowing, all-powerful, always-present God. Our theme verse for the year is:
Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. (Psalm 139:10)
Anywhere we go, God sees, knows, and guides. So we can lead - and love - knowing God will get us through all the hard spots, all our decisions, all our roles, all our times we can't hold open our eyelids and the times we're bursting with joy. God's hand guides us as we guide our children. As we study Momology together to become better moms making a better world.
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