A Beautiful Mess
“He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Col.1:17
“When the Third Is a First”
This is so new to me, raising a girl. My two sons preferred camouflage pajamas and taking G.I. Joe diving in the Igloo cooler. Bows and ruffles and pink now color our world.
I didn’t expect this child. I didn’t ever expect to see a baby weigh 1 pound, 12 ounces and cause an entire community to hold their breath as she fought to take hers. God knew this girl needed that community, and that she would need me, in a special way.
I have done this before, but it’s a whole new ball game- make that a whole new dance party. I quit a job to give her my time. I am more mature, more focused. I have a few regrets about the way I handled the boys’ early stages. I’m hoping to be more intentional with this little miracle, celebrating the snow showers of fruit puffs before I sweep them up. Twirling more often. Laughing more readily. Hugging harder. Hugging all of them harder.
As a woman, raising a girl means I am looking in the mirror more, and not just when primping. She will reflect much of what I show her. I want to help God fill her with strength and compassion. I want her to be so well acquainted with virtue that she won’t shy away from it when she leaves this house.
I want her to know how special she is and how her stability comes from walking with God, not choosing a man.
I didn’t know how to spend quality time with God when the boys were babies. I read to them, and I prayed with them. But I didn’t know how to be with God, let alone pass that on to my sons. For me, it took years and crisis to make that happen, to make my day begin with God’s name, to give potty training over to his control, and to feel my garden-dirt-splattered presence was perfect in his sight.
The miracle has her own little notebook and pencil. We journal together, her marks just scribbles but our words unmistakable. God is our friend. He is right here. All the time. I want her to feel him. I can help her to know him.
Maybe the tenderness I see in her isn’t related to her gender, but to how I approach her. I have seen first steps and heard first words before, but each new life can be a rebirth for those who nurture that life.
It’s not about getting through the day now. It’s about loving her through the day, with the grace of God. I can give both of them no less than everything I have.
Next Meeting: October 3rd:
- Secret Mom Exchange is under way (optional): bring a gift (no more than $10) every other month to give to another mom secretly - if you wish to join in please let me or Jenny Fisher know - first gift exchange month is October (3rd, 17th, or 31st meeting dates)
- Individual Challenge - bring non perishable items for Inside Out Ministries - the mom who has completed the most individual challenges at the end of the fall semester will receive a special prize!
- International Dues ($24) - Due October 3rd meeting for those who have not already paid - again these go directly to MOPS International and do not stay in our local group
- Table Challenge for October - get together with the moms at your table for a play date and/or a mommy's night out - don't forget to take pictures!!! Most importantly, have fun!!!
- Food is being provided by Disheveled Divas
- Pumpkin Pickin' (and so much more) with The Grove at the Lyons Family Farm - October 12th 9am - we can meet at the church and carpool or meet at the Farm - admission price is 9.75 per person tax included (23 months and under free) - for more information regarding Lyon Family Farms go to www.lyonfamilyfarms.com/index.htm
Taco Bells Mexican Pizza
Prep: 15 min.
Bake: 15 min.
Ingredients:
~1 lb. ground beef
~1/4 tsp. onions
~1 1/2 tsp. chili powder
~2 tbsp. water
~ 1/3 cup diced tomatoes
~1 can refried beans
~1/2 tsp. salt
~ 1 cup of cooking oil
~1 cup of shredded cheese
~Burrito Shells
~Salsa
Directions: Cook the ground beef, then drain the excess oil. In the same saucepan add onions, chili powder, salt, and water. Let simmer for about 10 minutes. Get a skillet and pour oil into it. Place burrito shell in oil. Let fry for 30-45 seconds, then flip over and do the same. In a separate sauce pan cook the refried beans. Put beans on the bottom of a burrito shell, then add beef mixture. Place another burrito shell on top. Spread salsa on top, then add cheese, tomatoes, and onions. Cook in the oven at 400 degrees for 8-12 minutes. Enjoy!!!
MOPS at The Grove
The Grove Baptist Church
12300 County Line Rd.
Madison, AL 35756
Pastor: Ross Clemmons
Children’s Pastor: Lottie Partridge
Phone: 256-233-2080
Web: www.thegrovebaptist.com
Email: mopsatthegrove@gmail.com
Facebook: MOPS at The Grove
MOPS International: www.mops.org
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