The Official Newsletter of MOMSense
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
 Over the years, I've spent way too much time worrying about whether or not my house was spotless, and too many hours feverishly cleaning. That is until my son was born 6 years ago. Then my cleaning "to-do" list multiplied overnight: double the laundry, double the dishes and triple the trash. And his toys began multiplying while we slept. Some days they covered every square inch of floor space, making the simple task of vacuuming take twice as long.
I've now come to grips with the fact my home is picked up, but not squeaky clean. And it's OK if everything isn't in its proper place when friends drop by to visit. I've seen their houses, and they look a lot like mine. I don't have to keep the "perfect" house. I'm learning to spend my extra time enjoying my husband and son. In her "It Makes Sense" column, MOPS President Naomi Cramer Overton explains why the words "perfect home" don't accurately describe her house either.
For more than 30 years, MOPS International has been encouraging, equipping and developing every mother of preschoolers to realize her potential as a woman, mother and leader. This is accomplished primarily through MOPS groups meeting in over 4,900 churches and Christian organizations across the United States and in 29 other countries. In November 2006, MOPS International started a group at a minimum-security jail in California. Read about the powerful impact this group is having in "A Glimpse of Hope for Moms in Jail." To find a MOPS group in your area, click on the MOPS icon on the right-hand column.
Also in this issue,
Blessings,
Mary Darr
Editor, MOMSense magazine
To reply to this newsletter: parenting@christianitytoday.com
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| Featured Article from MOMSense |
 MOPS IN ACTION
A Glimpse of Hope for Moms in Jail
How a MOPS group is transforming the lives of moms in a California jail.
by Jackie Alvarez
"A leopard cannot change its spots, but a caterpillar can certainly change into a butterfly." This is the motto of the MOPS group meeting at the James A. Musick Facility, a minimum-security jail in Irvine, California. They repeat this motto at the beginning of every meeting as a reminder to these women that change is possible.
| more |
| New Downloadable Guides for Parents |
| New Articles from MOMSense |
Weight-Loss Tips for Every Mom
Ways to win the battle of the bulge.
by Carrie Carter, M.D.
Perfect What?
Why the words "perfect home" don't accurately describe her dwelling place.
by Naomi Cramer Overton
 One Tough Mother
Julie Barnhill gives you all the dirt on how to regain control of your schedule and home! Reminding moms that the adults are in charge whether the kids like it or not, she shows parents how to stand firm on "non-negotiables" and not succumb to fears of not being liked. |
 Children Change a Marriage
Elisa Morgan and Carol Kuykendall of MOPS international (Mothers of Preschoolers) provide qualified insights and approaches that can help you turn the transitions of parenthood into times of transformation in your marriage. |
 Mom's Health Matters
Are you so busy tending to your family's health that you've neglected your own? Here's the cure: Dr. Carrie Carter's easy-to-use resource packed with practical, up-to-date medical information—just for moms! |
 Mom, You Make a Difference!
MOPS president Elisa Morgan reminds us that the job of raising a family is the most important one in the world. Frequently funny and always thought-provoking, this encouraging collection will provide a spiritual lift any day of the year. |
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If you're having friends over, do you clean your house?- I make sure it's spotless.
- I put away some things and clean as necessary.
- I tidy up.
- I shove stuff into closets.
- I leave it and trust my friends will still love me.
- Who has time to clean?
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