Moms Connect

Motherhood is a challenging time for the best of us, especially the infant/toddler years. Nearly a year ago, I was invited to a unique small group through our church called Moms Connect. Just recently, I was asked to take over as the new leader of the group. I am beyond thrilled to head up a community solely based on encouraging one another in Christ through mommyhood!

As I was sharing about this group with potential new members between services at church yesterday, I was overwhelmed by the hunger that these women had for a place to belong, to be understood, and to be loved as young mothers. Why can't more churches provide this ministry to moms?! Overall, most churches do an incredible job providing support for kids, youth, college/20-somethings, men, women, and seniors. But, do you see the gap? What happens to you between college and your 40s? We've seen it, and many of our friends have commented on it. There's a lull in personalized ministry during the young married/young family time. As the women in Moms Connect and I continue to allow God to evolve this group as it should grow, I pray that other women will step up and minister to the mommies in churches across the world. We all need it! Maybe you are the one to start it in your church! Here is how we do it...

Moms Connect 2012-2013

-Grow in our relationship with Christ-

-Connect as Moms, Learn from each other, and Serve one another-

-Encourage Godly friendships among our children-

-Build and Strengthen relationships among our families-

When you are a part of Moms Connect (moms with kids ages tummy through pre-school), you can expect...

-Fellowship with other mommies

(Matthew 18:20 – For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them.)

-To help each other navigate through the challenges of “motherhood”

(1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.)

-Prayer for one another

(Colossians 1:9-11 – For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being stregthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience...)

-To serve one another in a variety of ways (i.e. providing meals for new moms, babysitting for one another, helping with moves, lending/giving items to one another)

(Galatians 5:14 – The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”)

-“Kid” play dates, “Mom” play dates, and “Family” play dates

(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 – There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...a time to laugh...a time to dance...a time to embrace...a time to love...a time for peace.)

-Retreats

(Luke 5:16 – But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.)

Each month, two planned events will be spiritually-focused and just for moms. One play date for all moms and kids will be planned per month, as well as a Mom play date (a.k.a. Girl's Night Out) that is also just for moms. Four times per year, we will plan a Family play date to introduce our husbands and build relationships among our families. Retreats will occur twice per year, and various other activities will be planned monthly for you and your children to attend as it fits with your schedule.

As always, mommies, please let me know if you have any questions on this idea or others. I pray that you and the moms in your close circle of friends and beyond can be blessed by this ongoing tradition started long ago at our church. Be blessed today and every day!

MMSM #46

In our kitchen pantry, I only like to keep things we are currently using or will use soon. Everything else (especially those awesome deals found with coupons) goes to the stock pile. I found some extra shelving in the garage, and it is now my mini store for grocery items. We keep ours in the basement, and this stock pile system has been working well for us for over a year! 

  

Tip #34

Until recently, our pantry has been a disorganized, crumby abyss. Not so, anymore! I have implemented the rule of "everything has a place, and everything in its place" when it comes to the kitchen. For anyone who may use the pantry on a regular basis (ahem...my sweet husband), there is now no excuse for remnants being shoved to the back, never to be seen again. Get some folder labels, organize the shelves/drawers in a way that works for you, and ask that your family members comply with the system. My sections are as follows:

• Health Mixes
• Breakfast
• Pasta and Side Dishes
• Snacks
• Kid Snacks
• Appliances and Lunch Boxes
• Cooking Liquids and Condiments
• Soup and Cans
• Baking
• Kid Items
• Warm Drinks
• Dogs
• Paper Products 

A bit of an odd list, but it works for us! Happy pantry organizing!