Going on a trip - Why I am going to MOPS convention.

This has been a crazy summer of travel for our family between vacations, student camp, and mission trips.  And Wednesday I am leaving my precious husband and daughter for four days to travel 12 hours in a van to Nashville, TN.  Being 7 months pregnant, I am sure it seems kind of crazy to travel such a long distance by car, but I assure you, there couldn't be a better reason.  

My friend Ida and I get the privilege of coordinating MOPS at First Baptist Church this year.  MOPS is an incredible organization dedicated to one thing - making sure no mom is alone.  If there is one thing I hear from moms who are now grandmothers, it's that they wish something like MOPS had been around when they were parenting their children.  MOPS is a place where mothers of preschoolers can come together and be refreshed and renewed just by spending time with other moms.  

But, for Ida, myself, and the entire MOPS organization, it is so much more than just a mom social club.  It is about reaching out to moms in our community who don't have the support we do.  Its about showing moms that joy can't be found in circumstances and people alone, but in Jesus Christ.  We are determined to make a difference in our community and not just to reach one another, but reach out to those in our city for Him.

I joined MOPS two years ago and my life has been forever changed.  Being a mom can be a lonely job.  You are cooped up in the house with people who are shorter than you.  And while you can carry on a "conversation" with a 3 year old, answering "why?" for the 1000th time that day gets a little old.  When I found MOPS Madi was 1 1/2.  I was very lonely.  I didn't have a lot of mom friends, let alone friends who understood what I was experiencing.  MOPS gave me a place to study God's word and gave me friends who were in the exact place I was.   Moms who are parenting children and trying our hardest to mold and teach them to grow in Jesus.  I can't imagine my life without this wonderful group of ladies.  It is an honor to be leading this wonderful group of women and it is a privilege I don't take lightly.    

That is why I am going to MOPS convention.  This is not going to be just another year of MOPS for us.  God has given us a strong and clear vision for this year.  We are going to do everything in our power to make an impact on women's lives... and by going to convention, we are equipping ourselves to do just that.  

There is nothing magical or any special formula.  We are going to pick up our knowledge from convention, fill our hearts with the vision of this ministry, and then bring it home and love on some mommas.  

Now, don't let me fool you, I am also going to convention because its FUN! There is something special about being with a group of like-minded women.  Women united by a love of moms and Jesus.  When I experienced it last year, I couldn't wait to come back! And I can't wait to travel with my friends to Tennessee.  We are going to have an awesome and, I'm sure, crazy time.  I can't wait to come back with stories to share.  

So, even if you can't make it to convention this year.  Why don't you go to mops.org and find a group of moms in your area to join? If you live in the Lakeland area, check out our blog at mopsatfbc.blogspot.com.  

much love, 

bc

PS - See why my friends Ida and Jennifer are going to convention!