Meeting Recap - November 7, 2013

Melissa working on her necklace

Today was a craft day at MOPS!  And in case you didn't quite finish the beautiful necklace, directions will be provided later in this post for download.  But first, let's have some announcements!

• If you are interested in adopting a family from SHE (Shelter for Help in Emergency), please contact Cari Brown.
• Operation Christmas Child shoebox collection week begins on the 18th! 
• Hope Community Center will be holding their annual "Hope Chest" event, where folks can receive free clothing and household items right in time for the Christmas season.  Donated household goods and clothing are needed, as well as many volunteers to pull off this event that can serve up to 1000 people in our area. If you have items to donate you can bring them to the next MOPS meeting (see Melissa Ragland). Please contact Marianne Tolley if you need more information.
• Don't forget our "Mom's Market" happening at the Nov. 21st MOPS meeting! If you know of anyone who would like to be a vendor please contact Lauren Byrne.
• Prayers are still very much needed and appreciated for Mundy R. Check your email for updates and possible prayer events.
• We are so thankful that Kathy F. was back at MOPS today! If you are able to provide transportation around town for her and her family please sign up online (link was provided in an email).

Ruth Wagner

Today we had the pleasure of hearing from Mentoring Mom Ruth Wagner. It is of no small significance that Ruth was speaking to us in the month of November, as she lost both of her parents to cancer in years past during this month. She explained how that can make this month difficult for her, but also how November can be hard for many women, due to the time change, weather, etc. She encouraged us to actively cultivate a grateful heart to stave off depression, and suggested Ann Voskamp's book, "One Thousand Gifts". In this book the author recommends writing down three things each day that you are thankful for. Ruth also suggested a "Thanksgiving Tree", where each family member writes one thing they are thankful for on a paper "leaf". They are then hung on a "tree" (which could be small branches in a vase) for a visual reminder of the blessings in your life.

Even though November can be an emotionally difficult month for Ruth, she shared how thankful she is for her seven grandchildren, and the fact that in her life, God has taken her from a small thanksgiving table with just a few loved ones when she was a child, to a table for 21!  Especially poignant was the story of her seventh grandchild, Abigail, who was found under a bridge in China. God placed Abigail in her family through adoption, and she has been a tremendous blessing to the Wagner family.  Thanks so much for sharing with us today Ruth!

Laurie shows Michelle how to
weave the ribbon.

Our door prizes today were provided by Laurie Burke, our Craft Coordinator. Items in Laurie's bag included list-making pads, chocolate, and jewelry. Congrats to Krista for winning the bag, and to Elizabeth K. and Jenny S., who each won a book (including one written by Laurie's mother-in-law!).

In addition to providing our door prizes today, Laurie Burke showed us how to make a beautiful necklace using ribbon and small round washers that you can purchase from a hardware store.  While starting the necklace was a little tricky, Laurie persevered in teaching us to weave the ribbon up and down through the washers. And boy was it worth it!  If you weren't able to complete your necklace, or you would like to make more, you can download the instructions by clicking here.  Thanks so much to Laurie for all of your hard work!

Our next meeting is on November 21st. Hope to see you there!