A Noble Disciple, Indeed...

If you missed the MOPS meeting on Friday, you certainly missed a wonderful message given by Christian singer/songwriter, Bree Noble. Just to give you a little background on who she is, here is a blurb from her website:

"Bree has glaucoma and has been legally blind since birth. She has learned to trust the Lord to give her vision for her life instead of relying on physical vision. She inspires people from all generations and walks of life with stories and songs about growing up visually impaired in her 'You Are My Vision' presentation.

Bree Noble is an award-winning vocalist and songwriter. In July 2006, Bree had the honor of singing the National Anthem to a sold out crowd at Dodger Stadium. Her lyrics don't sugar-coat the Christian life or water down the issues Christians face. In January 2007, Bree Noble was named Best Female Performer at the Inland Empire Music Awards."

It was an honor and a privilege to be able to hear Bree's story and discover the ways God has led her through an amazing journey over the course of her life. By letting go and letting God, she's had more incredible experiences than most of us combined, and thankfully, she shared them with us. It truly was awe-inspiring to hear her message as it encourages us all to put our trust in the one who loves us most...Jesus.

If you'd like more information on Bree Noble, or you'd like to contact her, please visit her website at www.breenoble.com. She would love to hear from you!

A couple of announcements:

1. A big thank you to Mara and Jen for putting on such an amazing play date today! To see pictures of today's play date, watch the slide show on the right side of the blog.
2. Also, some moms suggested that we do a MOPS "Craigslist," for lack of a better term. If you have items you'd like to get rid of, or if you need any items that you do not want to buy new, please let me know and I will list these on the blog and on the FB page. You can email Kristy at binx18@aol.com with pictures and information.
3. Many thanks to the Hospitality Team for providing us with laughs and gifts at the meeting. It was a delight to see Mary in her very chic Christmas attire and the game was a blast, too. Thanks for all your hard work!

Please enjoy the photos from our MOPS meeting on Friday. I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!

We all knew that Mary had something under there...we just weren't sure what!

Stunning!

Bree Noble sharing her inspiring life story.

Bree Noble making some sales!

All smiles from Bree Noble and Emily Scholz.

It's all about love at MOPS...

Childshare needs your help!

Compassionate Ministries is preparing the Childshare Christmas Party that’s on Dec 12^th. In preparation for that event, there are numerous items that need to be stuffed. The items that need to be stuffed are goody bags and cookies. I would like to know if anyone from the Women’s Ministries Dept. would be available on Friday, December 11^th at 1pm to help stuff. We will be meeting in the PazNaz kitchen and Gilmore Hall to do the stuffing. It would be great if moms would bring their children as well so that they can help, too. Please let me know if this is something that’s feasible.

Thank you,

Rubina Haroutonian

Service Cornerstone & Special Needs Ministry

626-351-2478

RHaroutonian@paznaz.org

"Origins" Puts the "O" in MOPS

All I can say about this morning's meeting is...WOW! There was so much going on at today's gathering and it was a beautiful sight to see. Origins came out to give much needed facials and hand massages, as well as to sell their fabulous products for 25% off. It was a mom's dream.

Mary Baffes ran the craft table for the photo necklaces we'll be selling at Ladies' Night Out. These crafts turned out so beautifully and it was a blast to sit and make them. I thoroughly enjoyed chatting and cracking jokes with other moms at the table - it was a great fellowship time. Thanks, Mary for all your hard work!

Ladies, we have a LOT going on right now at MOPS and one of the best ways to get your information is the MOPS Newsletter. Our Publicity Coordinator, Saleama Ruvalcaba put together a stellar newsletter this month and if you didn't get to pick one up, please view it online here. Her editor's note was really worth the short time it takes to read as it reminds us how to slow down and focus on the true meaning of Christmas. There is also a plethora of information on upcoming events, playdates, mentor moms and much more - so please check it out! You can also find details for upcoming events to the right of this post.

If you ever want to announce something to MOPS, or you need to get word out about your business, an event you'd like to publicize, or you just have a photo you'd like to share with the group, please email me (Kristy Roblee) at binx18@aol.com. I'd be happy to post it here on the blog.

My friends, enjoy looking at the photos from today. I feel that relaxation was truly God's gift to us this morning. Have a wonderful weekend!

Krys and Charis are serious about this necklace project...

There's Mary giving instructions on how to put the project together. Mary, did you even take the time to print out instructions? :)

Mentor mom Cindi peruses the goods.

Here are some of our beautiful MOPS writing thank you notes to our Moppet volunteers.

It's discussion time at the discussion table...all eyes are on Mentor mom Alice as she shares her wisdom...

Can anyone say YUMMY?!

I think Isabelle and Pauline are ready to go!

Look at those happy faces!

We had an overflowing Bless Me table today.

Maribeth looks like she's taking some of it with her...I don't blame her...

Jayme's is going to get me for this, but I just love this photo. Jayme, aren't you supposed to be relaxing? :)

This was a serious craft. It took total concentration.

I love the feet in the air.

Buy, buy, buy!

Melissa might also not like me for this, but this shows the pampering in full effect!

Again, note the happy faces:)

Jan Morris Brings MOPS a New Perspective on Parenting

Although I wasn't able to stay for the whole discussion, I've heard Jan Morris speak on the topic of parenting several times. Let's just say, I'm sure there were a lot of "ooooohs" and "aaaaaahs" in the crowd during her talk. She highlights several key factors in why we parent the way we parent. She also gives us helpful tools in how to handle ourselves just a little better in those all-too-familiar frustrating moments as parents. Thank you, Jan, for giving us a little insight into ourselves and for your gentle, encouraging words - MOPS have a tough, but wonderfully rewarding job, don't we?

I've included a few photos from our meeting on Friday, so please have a look if you missed out!

NEXT MEETING:

Friday, November 20

SPA DAY!

-Remember to come without makeup on and be ready for pampering. Don't forget that Origin products will also be on sale.

-Bring a 7/8" x 7/8" photo for the necklace project.

-Bring $$ for the opportunity drawing.

-Bring $$ for gift cards on sale.

Byron Walls Speaks: Are Our "Walls" Safe?

MOPS had a fantastic meeting Friday with food, friends and most of all, laughter. Byron Walls has been speaking with wit and humor on the subject of crime safety for 20 years. Prior to starting California Crimefight in 1996, Byron was the Director of Citizens Against Crime in Portland, Oregon, where he and his speakers spoke to over 20,000 people a year. He is a member of the National Criminal Justice Association and, in 1995, served on the Governor's Task Force on Workplace Violence for the State of Washington.

Byron is also a professional comedian, actor and songwriter. (His songs have been recorded by Andy Williams, Emmy Lou Harris and Ronnie Milsap, among others.) It was an honor and a privilege to hear him speak on the topic of crime prevention. I think most of our sides were hurting from laughing so hard! Thank you, Byron! If you'd like more information on Byron and his organization, just click here.

I've included some photos from the meeting, so just enjoy perusing at your leisure, ladies. Also, I've updated some very important event information on the right side, so please check that out as well. Have a wonderful week!

One of our newest Moppets!

Krys and Nora, having a chat over the Bless Me table.

Food, glorious food!

Debbie and Mentor Mom Joanne.

Happy faces: Jen, Jayme and Karyn.

More smiles! Gretchen and Susan.

Mentor Mom Diane, DGL Mara and Ana:)

We welcome our newest Mentor Mom, Lee! (On left)

Hilarious and informative "California Crimefight" speaker, Byron Walls.

I think it's "safe" to say that many of us were ready to buy his products. His talk was very eye opening!

There is Connie, volunteering on Sunday at the Sally Foster table.

Thanks to Connie, Angie and Jen for helping us out yesterday. It was such a help!