november 2013
ENTS
M O T H E R S O F P R E S C H O O L E R S First Presbyterian Church // Edmond, Oklahoma
A CRAFTS VISION FOR MOPS
BY MICHELLE CURRAN, MOPS CREATIVE ACTIVITIES CO-LEADER
1. For moms to embrace the creativeness that our amazing Creator has given each of us. There is no one more creative than our Creator and because we are made in His likeness, we can trust that we too have the ability to create! I know some moms feel more gifted in “craftiness” than others, but we all on some level can craft and it is my hope that through being creative, moms can feel closer to the One who created them.
2. For moms to feel a sense of
table and use their gifts to help others either in the process of crafting or by using the skills we use in MOPS to replicate a craft for someone else. I REALLY try to make every craft a TABLE craft so that moms at the table can chat while making the craft. I also really love when moms that are more “artistic” or have a better idea of how to complete the craft help others at the table that may not have have that same skill set. And of course, it’s always my desire that we use our gifts and talents to help others whether it is helping them actually craft or it’s crafting something that can be given to someone else.
“It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful!”
accomplishment and the sweet reward of completing a project. One of the areas that I struggle with most in being a mom to multiple young children is that sometimes the only thing I accomplish in a day is that we survived it. Crafting gives me the ability to see immediate results that I often don’t find in mothering. Therefore, we try very hard to pick crafts that are simple and quick so that moms can leave with that feeling of confidence that comes when you actually finish something!
upcoming
3. For moms to fellowship with others at their
And lastly, I love the blogger, the Nester, who says “It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful!” I hope everyone can adopt that with crafting and just enjoy the process!
mops events
mops bunco
Playdates Friday, November 15 // 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. // Oklahoma City Zoo Monday, December 16 // 10 - 11 a.m. or 12 p.m. // Candy Cane Hunt in the park (location TBA)
The MOPS Bunco group will start in November!
Mother’s Night Out Thursday, November 21 // 7:30 p.m. // Coffee Commission Tuesday, December 3 // 7:30 p.m. // Christmas Party (18008 Providence Ave, Edmond OK 73012)
First game night will be at Alicia’s house on Thursday, November 7 at 7 p.m.
You can find all MOPS events on our calendar page at http://mopsedmondfpc.blogspot.com/p/calendar.html For more information about Outside Activities, feel free to contact Summer or Alicia.
If you are interested in joining the group, e-mail Alicia.Ramirez@hotmail.com
M O P S E D M O N D F P C . B L O G S P O T. C O M
MENTOR MOM SPOTLIGHT cheri fuller
Where were you born? Where did you grow up? I was born in Dallas, Texas, and grew up in Dallas. What was your job before having kids? What do you do now? I taught high school English and also taught on a graduate fellowship at Baylor University before having our children. I taught English part-time off and on through the years, which worked well with being a mom. Although I’m a writer and speaker (www.cherifuller. com), I serve as the full-time executive director of Redeeming the Family and our core program, the Messages Project. (www. redeemingthefamily.org) What is your husband’s name? Holmes How long have you been married? On November 29, we will have been married 44 years by God’s grace. What church do you attend? First Presbyterian Church in Edmond How many children do you have, and what are their names and ages? Justin Fuller (42); with his wife Tiffany and two children, live in Edmond. Chris Fuller (39), and his wife Maggie and two daughters, live in Southlake, TX. They’ve lived all over the country and overseas
as a Navy doctor before practicing in Texas, so we’re thankful. Alison Fuller Plum (36), and her two sons live in Edmond. What do you like to do in your spare time? I’ve loved playing tennis since age 14 and play once a week with my tennis friends, walking with Holmes and our dog Happy, going to great movies on Friday night dates, & reading fiction. What are three words to describe your personality? Optimistic, enthusiastic, relational (and focused!) What is your favorite Bible verse? Although it’s hard to pick, because I love so many verses, Romans 12:1-2 is my favorite and life verse, to offer myself to God as a living sacrifice, or as the Message puts it: “Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleep eating, going-to-work, and walking around life—and place it before God as an offering.” I have found my life is a great adventure when we offer it to God and follow His leading! What would be your dream job if money, family, and circumstances were not an issue? I’ve been blessed to do my dream job of being a writer, but if money wasn’t an issue, having a beach house in Maine to spend a summer month writing would be amazing.
Pumpkin No Bake Energy Bites ingredients
directions
8 oz. (about 1 packed cup) chopped dates 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup pumpkin puree 1 Tbsp. chia seeds or flax seeds 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. ground ginger 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg pinch of salt 1 cup old-fashioned oats (dry, not cooked) 1 cup toasted coconut flakes 1 cup toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
Combine the dates, honey, pumpkin puree, chia (or flax) seeds, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt in a food processor, and pulse until smooth and combined. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl, and stir in the oats, coconut flakes and pepitas until evenly combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Once the mixture is cool (and easier to work with), use a spoon or cookie scoop to shape it into your desired size of energy balls. (Mine were about 1-inch in diameter.) Alternately, you can line a small baking pan with parchment paper, and press the mixture evenly into the pan, let it cool, and then cut into bars.
7 Ways to Pray for Children “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
1. That they would be “taught of the Lord” and great will be their peace. (Isaiah 54:13)
2. That they would hide His Word in their hearts. (Psalm 119:11) 3. That God would fill them with the knowledge of His will so they can walk in a way that’s pleasing to Him and their life will bear fruit.
4. That their hearts would be (Col. 1:9)
flooded with light so they could understand the wonderful future God has promised to those He called. (Ephesians 1:17-19)
5. That they would trust in the
Lord with all their hearts and not lean on their own understanding.
6. That they would not worry (Proverbs 3:5-6)
or be afraid but pray about everything, and the peace of God would guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-9)
7. That God’s favor would
surround them like a shield whether at school or work. (Psalm 5:10) ©Cheri Fuller, www.cherifuller.com, adapted from her books When Children Pray & When Mothers Pray
ideas for thanksgiving traditions adapted from Mary Fairchild, about.com
The holidays can be a time of stress and busyness, but what better time than Thanksgiving to slow down with your family and reflect on all the blessings God has given you? Here are some simple Thanksgiving ideas to help you and your family express thanks to God on Thanksgiving Day. A Thanksgiving Story // Set aside a few moments on Thanksgiving Day to sit down and read a Thanksgiving story. You can read it alone or together with your family. A Thanksgiving Poem or Prayer // Take on the family project of writing a Thanksgiving poem or prayer together. A Thanksgiving Bible Verse // Ask each family member to read a favorite Bible verse before the Thanksgiving meal. A Thanksgiving Memory // During Thanksgiving dinner, ask each family member to share a favorite Thanksgiving memory. Thanksgiving Communion // Plan a time of family Communion on Thanksgiving to give thanks by remembering Christ's life, death and resurrection. A Thanksgiving Blessing // Invite a widow, single person or someone who is lonely to share in your family Thanksgiving meal. A Thanksgiving Day Parade or Play // Put on your own Thanksgiving Day parade or "pilgrim play" with family, friends and neighbors. A Thanksgiving Offering // Prepare a Thanksgiving offering to give to a needy family or one of your favorite charities.
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St. Mary’s School Preschool – 8th Grade Nurturing Your Child’s Potential for the Future
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Want to contribute an article, recipe, devotional, tips or anything else to the newsletter? Are you interested in writing a guest blog post for the MOPS blog? E-mail us at mopsedmondfpc@gmail.com with your ideas.
november 2013 Happy Birthday to MOPS Mommas PATRICIA, JESSICA, ERICA & LAURA
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Ye Old Hallows Eve
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jessica filson erica gentry
patricia lodge
Community events Nov 2 // Ye Old Hallows Eve
1 to 5 p.m. / Martin Park Nature Center FREE outdoor activities for everyone in the family, including a howling contest, cockroach races, plus talks about the history of Halloween and lore about legendary creatures such as Big Foot, werewolves and the infamous chupacabra. The more adventurous can register for a pumpkin Olympics (bring your own pumpkin), and “monster” costume contest by calling 755-0676.
Nov 16 // Statehood Day Celebration
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. / Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum Enjoy FREE admission and familyfriendly activities while learning more about important Oklahomans in the state’s history. http://www.oklahomaheritage.com
MOM’S NIGHT OUT Festival of Light Open (Chickasha)
THANKSGIVING
MOPS MEETING
ZOO PLAYDATE
MOPS MEETING
Tree Lighting Festival
Statehood Day
Christmas in the Park (Yukon)
laura reeves Saturday with Santa
rides, pictures with Santa, refreshments, Christmas music and games. http://www.cityofyukonok.gov
Nov 29 // Sandridge Tree Lighting Festival
5 to 7 p.m. / Bricktown 3rd Base Plaza Come enjoy FREE live music, food and fun as Mayor Cornett lights the Christmas tree for the season. Santa will be at the festival to take free professional photos with the kids. There will even be a face painter for the kids!
Nov 30 - Dec 21 // Saturdays with Santa
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. / Devon Tower Rotunda Kids of all ages are invited to meet Mrs. Claus, create arts and crafts, enjoy live holiday music and more! Pictures with Santa are FREE - just bring your own camera! http://www.downtownindecember.com
Nov 21 - Dec 31 // Festival of Lights
6 to 11 p.m. / FREE Festival of Light in Chickasha is a top ten nationally recognized holiday light show featuring over 3.5 million lights, a computer animated light show, carriage rides, pictures with Santa and cinnamon rolls. www.chickashafestivaloflight.com.
Nov 23 // Christmas in the Park Opening
4:30 to 8 p.m. / Chisholm Trail, Freedom Trail and City Parks in Yukon, OK Features the Chill Your Cheeks 5K, Jungle Walk, Kris Kringle Karnival and the turning on of the lights. Activities include a horse drawn wagon, train
Alisa Nelson Studio *Paintings*Custom Art* Children’s Art*Art Lessons*
alisanelsonstudio.com facebook.com/AlisaNelsonStudio alisa@alisanelsonstudio.com 405-921-1883