My MOPS Mom-E-Mail's

February 2010
Love is...

When Mackenzie was small, I taught her the prayers I’d memorized as a child. She was a fast learner so when we needed new material, I decided to teach her the love verses in 1 Corinthians 13. She soon had it memorized. My husband was gone with the Army that whole summer, and I was alone with... five children. I let that stress get the best of me. Finally I was at the end of my rope and needed some me time.

Everyone was tucked in bed but they kept getting up (“Just one more drink of water mom!”) When Mackenzie called for me, I threw open the door and yelled “What do you want?” She quietly replied, “I want to say my prayers.” Then she started, “Love is patient, love is kind.”I started to cry. "I felt like the worst mom in the world. How do you apologize to a three-year old?"

“It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered…”I felt like the worst mom in the world. How do you apologize to a three-year old?And still she continued, “It keeps no record of wrongs.” “I love you mommy,” she finished as she gave me a hug.

I left the room thinking love keeps no record of wrongs. I am so thankful that my children don’t keep track of how many times I’ve messed up over the past 16 years.
Copyright 2010 - MOPS International, Inc.


March 2007
Motherhood by Surprise

While not exactly planned, our children were not what I would call surprises either. Each was welcomed with excitement and the anticipation of what a new blessing would bring to our family. Now with five children spanning in age from 5 - 13, I was beginning to feel like I was finally settling into the "mom groove" and becoming the fun mom again - instead of the "tired mom" who can't stay awake through the second half of the soccer game. I am also enjoying the freedom that comes with having older children; time alone and yes, even dates with my husband.

Just before Christmas, something was going on with my body and while I prayed for early menopause, my husband was thrilled at the thought of becoming a father again. When two little lines confirmed what I already knew, my heart sank. "Here we go again!" I thought.

Sleepless nights and endless diapers; we were starting all over.

Now that the shock has worn off, I am realizing that this new blessing is a chance to be a better mom this time around. More experience, more patience, maybe even a better sense of humor.

Instead of planning what would have been our first big family vacation to Disney World this fall, we are decorating a nursery and growing a bit larger and maybe even growing closer as a family. Hmmm... I just might enjoy this motherhood by surprise.
Copyright 2007 - MOPS International, Inc. - Printed in "Mom, You Make it All Better" edited by Elisa Morgan, 2008.

August 2002
Don't Worry!

I admit it. I am a worrier. Right now, my oldest daughter is away at camp, and I have been worrying since before the bus left. Did she pack enough clean underwear? Will she brush her teeth at least once during the week? How long will it take me to drive 216 miles if she decides that she needs me? What if she decides that she doesn't need me?

OK, so maybe I am reaching a bit. But face it, as moms we all worry. Will the baby be scarred for life because I made her cry herself to sleep when she was six months old? What if my toddler doesn't get accepted to Harvard someday because he can't recite his ABC's at two-and-a-half like the neighbor kid? Moms know we can't protect our children from everything, and we do worry that bad things might happen.

But the Bible tells us in Philippians, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything." God doesn't want us to worry, to spend our lives in fear. Worry steals the joy that God wants us to have! We can't change anything by worrying! The next time that you start to worry, remember that we are not in control. And that is good news.

By the way, my daughter called me from camp. She wanted me to know that she broke her toe, but she is OK and it doesn't hurt too bad, and that they are going to the water slides tomorrow. And that she misses me. She still needed her mom to tell her that it was OK. Maybe when she goes off to college I will quit worrying, but then, maybe not...
Copyright 2002 - MOPS International, Inc.