Thursday, September 30, 2010

Changing our childcare for the better!

We started something new for Mom's Connection~ having moms help out in childcare. This was not a decision we took lightly as we understand how much we need the break. However, the pros outweighed the cons. There's no better way to get-to-know another mom than to first meet her child(ren). We can save our budget for activities, supplies, and parties. Working together with your Care Circle is a great relationship-building activity that helps us connect with each other. You get to extend a hand of love to a child and bless a mom. Thank you to everyone for your willingness and great attitude!!

Sharon Doerk had this to say about helping in our childcare this past Tuesday:

Wanted to let you know how much fun Kim and I had providing Child Care for our first Mom's Connection meeting. I got to hang out with the 2 year olds and Kim was in the 3 year old room. A few ladies that provide child care during Sunday services showed up to help out, too. I know we are short handed this semester and each Care Circle will take turns providing child care. I had 8 toddlers in our room and most were the group that I get to see the second Sunday of every month. They are always a breeze to be around and get along great. I know most moms prefer the infant room, as they love to love on those precious babies. But, I gotta tell ya, I LOVE the 2 year olds. They slide, they play, they snack, they help pick up toys (as long as you ask them too). They also love to just sit and read a book with you and even sit on your lap and run a toy car up and down your arm.

I know we all look forward to our mom time at Mom's Connection. We all need a break. But, it is such a joy to be around these kids and to get the hugs when they are picked up by mom at the end of the meeting. It is so cool to watch them play together and figure out how to get along. It's fun to listen to them communicate in their own kid-way. The time goes by so quickly and you still get to fellowship with other moms, since we usually have 2 or more moms/helpers in each room. The strange part is: you do still get a break. For that couple of hours, you don't have to think about cleaning, cooking, laundry, or errands. You can be a kid again.

I guess I just didn't realize how much fun it would be.


Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Events for October~ Check it Out...

"There are only two ways to live your life: One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. " Albert Einstein

Monday, October 4 Baby Shower for Amanda Dagostino- Join us for food, games, and fun at 6:30 PM at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building, room 109. Amanda is registered at Target, JC Penney's, and Babies R Us! Amanda is expecting a GIRL! Come and show your love!

Friday, October 8 Coffee Break for Just Moms- For those moms who need a break or want to connect, join us at Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Martinsburg, WV at 9:30 AM. This is primarily for those moms who children are in school however it's open to anyone. Please no children.

Monday, October 11 Monkey Joe's in Hagerstown, MD- Join us for a great time with your children on giant inflatables, slides, and games at 10 AM. The cost per child is $6.59 includes pizza and drink. Adult admission is free, lunch is separate. To attend you must sign up and pay before the event. Please contact Amanda at aeasunshine@gmail.com.

Tuesday, October 12 Topic Meeting- Join us at Bethel Assembly of God in Martinsburg, WV in the Mace building, room 109 from 9:45-11:45 AM for a time of brunch, discussion, and prayer. Childcare is provided!

Care Circles will begin discussing the book, The Worn Out Woman, When Your Life is Full and Your Spirit is Empty by Dr. Steve Stephens and Alice Gray.

Tuesday, October 26 Topic Meeting- Join us at Bethel Assembly of God in Martinsburg, WV in the Mace building, room 109 from 9:45-11:45 AM for a time of brunch, discussion, and prayer. Childcare is provided!

Monday, September 27, 2010

Happy Birthday to You!

Happy Birthday, Terri Taylor (Sept. 27th)

Happy Belated Birthday, Donnis Lloyd (Sept. 25th)

Burnt

During our vacation this year a member of my family (who will remain nameless) made a conscious decision NOT to put on sunscreen when we were spending the day at the beach. Repeatedly during the day I kindly mentioned how hot the sun was and offered the sunscreen. Needless to say before the day was out the consequence of spending the whole day in the sun was taking it's effect. For several days I endured listening to the complaints of this sunburn. Even after arriving home I caught myself thinking of this comical choice. It came to my mind so much that I found myself questioning God about it. Then He spoke...

"You do the same thing" came the voice of God across my mind. I said out loud, "I do not! I always put sunscreen on!" Then as soon as the words were out of my mouth, God placed upon my spirit exactly what He was talking about. He reminded me of an incident that happened because I didn't protect myself. He reminded me how I was hurt, how often I complained about it, and how long it took me to heal. "Ouch!" Just like my family member I made the same choice.

God used this incident to speak to me about my habit of going it alone when things appeared of little importance or just for fun. I'd go without my sunscreen on and then I wonder why I came home burnt. God did not say the incident would not have occurred but I should not have been surprised by it and in the future I need to be prepared. If we don't want to get burnt in this world by people or circumstances, we need to put on the full armor of God. We do this by spending time in God's presence, asking Him to direct our paths in prayer and preparing ourselves in the Word, the Bible.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:10-17

Blessings,
Lisa
 

Friday, September 24, 2010

GOD RECYCLES..."God formed man from the dust of the ground..." Genesis 2:7

Discussing Intelligent Design with our children

The theory of evolution may dominate biology instruction in public schools today, but you can equip your kids to defend their faith in God as the Creator. A strong spiritual foundation coupled with a solid understanding of God will prepare your child to resist a Darwinian worldview.

Ask your child:
~If I dump a box of LEGO pieces on the floor, what do you think the LEGO's will make? Why wouldn't they fall out in the shape of a robot?

~If I put the LEGO blocks and the robot directions together for a few days, would I eventually find an amazing creation? Why not? What do you need in order to make something?

~What would you think if someone told you that everything in the world is here because all the building blocks had been dumped together? Can things be built by chance? Think of everything that exists-from a bug to an iPod to a person. Does anything exist that wasn't made by someone?

~Who is our Creator? Why is it important to know that God created you and has a plan for you?

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

Focus on the Family by Jennifer Walker

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Our first meeting this fall...

Tuesday, September 28 Topic Meeting- Join us at Bethel Assembly of God in Martinsburg, WV (just past City Hospital) in the MACE building (large activity building behind the church) in room 109 (large center room on first floor) from 9:45- 11:45 AM. We meet for a time of brunch, prayer, and discussion groups.

During our first meeting three moms from our group will be speaking about issues close to their heart. We have the privilege to hear Janine DiGiovanni speak on "Your child's learning style", Donnis Lloyd speak on "How food impacts behavior", and Missy Beard speak on "Autism". You do not want to miss it!

To kick off our opening meeting, please bring a snack to share with everyone!

In October our Care Circles will begin a discussion based on the book "the Worn Out Woman, When your life is full and your spirit is empty." Here is an excerpt:

I am amazed at all they are trying to balance--caring for children; fixing meals; cleaning; decorating and maintaining their homes; volunteering at school, church, and community activities; hosting get-togethers; balancing finances; working at full-time or part-time jobs; loving their husbands; caring for aging parents; and seeing all the other aspects of their daily lives.

I worry that many women are working at 120 percent of their capacity and feeling guilty because they are not doing more. That's probably true of you as well. You take what you do seriously and try to do the best you can. I know how responsible, caring, diligent, and active you are, but your life is so busy that you run out of energy long before the day is over.

Dear worn-out woman, you can't do it all, nor do you have to!

Before October go ahead and pick up your book today at www.amazon.com. Any questions, contact Lisa Fraley at momsrgreat@comcast.net.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Extraordinary Love

So I'm standing at the edge of the road waving to my son as he steps onto the big yellow bus. After the bus pulls away, two of the neighbor girls peek around from behind the mailboxes and with tears in their eyes say, "Missy, we missed the bus! Can you take us to school?" Instantly I begin to reprimand them for standing at the bus stop and still not catching the bus. How dare they be so distracted and inattentive? I sent them home to have their parents drive them to school. I didn't have time for such nonsense. I have to go to work this morning and I haven't had breakfast yet. I'm nauseous, PMSing with a load of cramps. As I walk home I start telling myself why I did the right thing. Both of these girls are being raised by their father only. I know for a fact that the one dad sleeps while I walk his daughter to the bus stop every morning. I'm a single parent too. Why should I have to take care of my two kids and everyone else's as well? Neither one of these dads would help my kids. And besides they might even try to say I'm kidnapping the girls if I put them in my car to take them to school. As soon as I finished rationalizing and making excuses, the Holy Spirit began to deal with me and gently spoke "Extraordinary love".

He reminded me of a verse that says we are to be a father to the fatherless- that also includes being a mother to the motherless. No matter how tired or busy Jesus was He always made time for people. His extraordinary love is bursting through every word, every thought, every action to mankind. It was extraordinary love that nailed Jesus to the cross. If He was willing to give up everything for us because He loves us, why should we do any less? So what if we're busy or it inconveniences us?! It is in these small sacrifices that extraordinary love can be seen and heard. Extraordinary love that comes from above has the power to transcend every barrier, to penetrate every stronghold, to heal every wound, to melt any heart, to touch any life. We just have to be willing and obedient.

So starting that day I made a conscious effort to show these two girls extraordinary love. It wasn't anything huge or amazing but life-changing nonetheless. Little things such as giving them my clothes and purses I no longer needed, braiding their hair, giving them snacks, asking how their day went, taking the time to love them. And now that an unfortunate accident has left my ankle broken and I am unable to walk, these same two little girls take turns pushing me in my wheelchair to the bus stop and give me hugs and say prayers with me before leaving for school. Funny thing how extraordinary love comes around full circle. Just at a time in my life when I needed it most. See, that's how love works. That's what this life is all about-pure, honest, unfailing, extraordinary love.

1 Corinthians 13:13
"...the greatest of these is love."

Missy Beard

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Events to look forward to...

"What you are passionate about was created in you to make a splash in this life that no one else can make." Nicole Johnson

Saturday, September 25 Prayer & Fasting- Join the women of Bethel Assembly of God in the main sanctuary for a day of prayer and fasting from 8 AM- 4 PM. Come by for a while or stay all day to pray for your needs or the needs of others and the church.

Tuesday, September 28 Topic Meeting- Join us at Bethel Assembly of God in Martinsburg, WV (just past City Hospital) in the MACE building (large activity building behind the church) in room 109 (large center room on first floor) from 9:45- 11:45 AM. We meet for a time of brunch, prayer, and discussion groups.

During our first meeting three moms from our group will be speaking about issues close to their heart. Our speakers will be Janine DiGiovanni, Missy Beard, and Donnis Lloyd. You do not want to miss it! To kick off our opening meeting, please bring a snack to share with everyone!

Childcare is provided on the premises for all ages of children. Your children will enjoy a craft, story time, games, and snack. We have just added to our childcare a homeschooling room for students 5 & up. This time will be used in two parts-the first half for independent work and the second half on an activity geared towards social development. All childcare workers undergo a background search through Bethel A/G.

Monday, October 4 Baby Shower for Amanda Dagostino- Join us for food, games, and fun at 6:30 PM at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building, room 109. Amanda is registered at Target, JC Penney's, and Babies R Us! Amanda is expecting a GIRL! Come and show your love!

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Getting to Know...Tiffany Bowers

Tiffany Bowers is all around a great person to be around. She is an encourager with a sympathetic ear, a willing heart, and a ready smile. I have really enjoyed getting to know her over the past year and I am thrilled to be able to feature her this month.

Tiffany has two children, Colton (3) and Kayla (6). She is a very devoted and patient mother. Her latest special project is working with autistic children to help the children and their families enjoy special activities together such as movies and other outings.

I asked her about her hobbies and interests and she replied, "Well, I really like photography, I love to take pictures. I love to capture just the perfect moment. I also love all my special projects." Her favorite personal hobby is surfing the web. She loves to see all of "the different takes on things online." She finds some of them "very humorous". She loves music and her favorite genre is country. She said, "I was born and raised in the south and a lot of the country songs bring me back home." Her favorite artist is Martina McBride. Her latest favorite quote is, "Some people walk in the rain, and others just get wet. I personally like to dance in the rain!"

Tiffany's favorite thing about Mom's Connection is, "That I can be around other moms, and know that we can all give something back to each other and get back from it too. At Mom's Connection I feel a part of a group of 'Real' moms not 'Susie Homemaker' moms."

I asked her what her relationship with the Lord means to her and she replied, "I am soul searching I guess. I have been more spiritually involved in the church in the last 4 months than I have been in my whole life and I was raised in "church". But... it's not the building that makes you a Christian. I am looking to God more now than ever to bring me through the good and the bad. I want to bring my kids up in the Lord. I want them to know him and believe in him."

Her favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 20:15, which says, "This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel says: "Listen! I am going to bring on this city and the villages around it every disaster I pronounced against them because they were stiff-necked and would not listen to my words" About this verse she says, "Does that sound harsh?? If you read the whole story what it is telling you is to believe and listen to what God himself has to tell you. He is real. He is Holy. He is the one that we need to listen to."

Tina Burton

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Lead Me (Acoustic - with Lyrics) by Sanctus Real

This is a powerful song. It's what we as wives desire to see in our husbands. We can make our requests known to the Lord and turn this song into our prayer. There is a beautiful story behind this song. You can view it on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZg-HrclQPY.

Blessings,

Lisa

Remembering 9/11... Bringing our country before God...

We were all shaken on September 11, 2001. Nine years later, September 11 (this Saturday) is an ideal time to pray for God’s life and love to be revealed to our neighbors and co-workers. Unite your prayers with thousands of others across the land who will prayerwalk their neighborhood or workplace from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. For more information, see www.waymakers.org.


Prayerwalking is simply praying where we expect to see God bring forth answers to our prayers. Praying near the places where people live and work can make it easier to focus and to unite prayer on their behalf.

• Pray with others or small teams of two or three.
• No need to be demonstrative. Be on the scene without making one.
• Pray with God’s Word to unite and focus your prayers with confidence.

Here is a prayer to get you started:

Most High God, we gather to honor You with praise and to ask that
You intervene with mercy, grace and power in our land.


We approach You boldly, as a loving Father, who names and knows
every family and people of the earth. Your power is only surpassed
by Your love, proven by the sending, the death and the raising of
Your Son, Jesus, the Christ. You have entrusted the Lord Jesus with
authority to fulfill Your purpose on the earth.


We cry out to You in this day of trouble. The passing of years since
the great calamity of 911 have not reassured our trembling hearts.
We are powerless to explain the tragedy. We cannot defend ourselves
from the frightful evil we see in the hearts of all humanity.


Although nations continue to rise against one another, and although
lawless violence may increase, cooling the love of many, we ask You to
move by Your Spirit upon all who live in our land. Break the escalating
powers of hatred. Bring forth sweeping moves of chain-reaction
forgiveness. May love cover a multitude of sins. Empower Your people
to become a force of blessing among all peoples.


Cause the life of Your Spirit to flow like life-giving rivers upon the earth.
Instill courage in our hearts to pray and labor in hope for all that You
have promised to be fulfilled for Your glory. Amen.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Finally September!

To you my dear friends it is my hope that "out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:15-19)
~Lisa

Tuesday, September 14 Open Gym- Join us at the Martinsburg Berkeley County Parks & Rec. from 1-2 PM. Cost $5 for first child, $3 for each sibling. Please bring cash in exact change!
If you have any questions concerning our activities, please contact our Event Coordinator, Amanda Dagostino at aeasunshine@gmail.com or 540-849-9092.

Tuesday, September 28 Topic Meeting- Join us at Bethel Assembly of God in Martinsburg, WV (just past City Hospital) in the MACE building (large activity building behind the church) in room 109 (large center room on first floor) from 9:45- 11:45 AM. We meet for a time of brunch, prayer, and discussion groups.

During our first meeting three moms from our group will be speaking about issues close to their heart. Our speakers will be Janine DiGiovanni, Missy Beard, and Donnis Lloyd. You do not want to miss it! To kick off our opening meeting, please bring a snack to share with everyone!

Childcare is provided on the premises for all ages of children. Your children will enjoy a craft, story time, games, and snack. We have just added to our childcare a homeschooling room for students 5 & up. This time will be used in two parts-the first half for independent work and the second half on an activity geared towards social development.

All childcare workers undergo a background search through Bethel A/G.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Jessica Rocks and Rolls for Timmy's Fund

Jessica Rocks... is an an organization started by Holly and Jason Sweeney in honor of their daughter JESSICA, and her brave battle against Childhood Cancer!! Jessica Rocks raises money to support 'Timmy's Fund'... an organization established to help families who are currently battling childhood cancer. You can learn more about Timmy's Fund and how they have helped US, and many other local families through their struggle at: http://www.timmysfund.org/

Jessica Rocks are selling chances on baskets filled with great items. Chances are $5 per chance. Grand prize is $20 per chance. For a list of the baskets and the items in it, a list can be emailed to you on request. They are also having several events in the area.

4 Ways to Purchase Chances!
1. Buy your chances online at http://www.jessicarocks.org/

2. Mail check (payable to Timmy’s Fund) and note indicating your choices to Jessica Rocks for Timmy’s Fund; PO Box 1705; Martinsburg, WV 25402

3. Chick Fila Spirit Night for Jessica Rocks Sept. 13 from 5-8. Buy your
chances there and see the baskets in person. (Make checks payable to Timmy’s Fund.)

4. Come to our "Jessica Rocks and Rolls for Timmy’s Fund" skating party at Galaxy Skateland on Sept. 15 from 6:30-9:00. Baskets will be on display and available to purchase chances to win! Drawing will be held at the skating party.
NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN!!

Please direct questions to hollysweeney@yahoo.com or 304.261.4774.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

You've Got Mail...

Be on the look out for Mom's Connection's welcome back letter with news of our upcoming meetings and the fall schedule. If you know of anyone interested in joining this year, please let me know so we can send them out the same greeting.

Until we can gather together again, join us for a Community Celebration for Labor Day this Sunday, September 5 at 4:30 PM at Bethel Assembly of God in Martinsburg, WV.

There will be lots of activities to enjoy with your family. Bring lawn chairs for some fun and relaxation. There will be fair style food for purchase or you may bring your own picnic dinner. There will be a kiddie korner, inflatables, face painting, balloons, bingo, child ID badges, safety seat checks, train rides, dunk tank fundraiser, competitive games, eating contests, relays, special music, Brothers Forever Concert, and Fireworks to end the evening!!!

Blessings,
Lisa